Last Updated on April 14, 2022 by Fabiola L.
I don’t know about you, but the last time I had my horse teeth floated, it was about five years ago. And I’m not alone. So, how often should an average horse have his/her teeth floated?
Every horse should have its teeth floated at least twice a year. It’s an inexpensive, quick procedure that can keep your horse’s teeth healthy and strong. If you’re having trouble finding a good dentist for your horse, or your horse has been having issues keeping his teeth clean, it may be worth looking into getting his teeth floated.
The average horse’s teeth are only floated about once per month, yet it is not uncommon for horses to have their teeth float and become infected. In fact, many equine practitioners recommend floating teeth every 2-3 months in order to maintain a healthy, strong mouth.
If a horse doesn’t have their teeth floated and they become too long or too wide, the animal’s tongue may wrap around the teeth, which can cause serious infections.
Learn how often horses should be floored by reading this article and find out how often should an average horse have his/her teeth floated. Let’s dive into the world of horse teeth floating.
What Is Horse Teeth Floating?
Floating is the first step of dentistry, which means removing sharp points from the cheek side of the horses’ upper teeth and the tongue side of the lower teeth. It’s very important to keep the horse’s mouth clean and free from debris. If the horse has tartar, it will block the airway and prevent the horse from breathing properly.
This is one of the major causes of exercise-induced laminitis. Another cause of this disease is an infection or irritation inside the mouth. In some cases, floating will remove the points on the teeth, but the horse will still have sharp points. These sharp points will continue to irritate the gum tissue, which will eventually lead to periodontal disease.
There are several different methods of floating. You should ask your veterinarian which method he/she uses. One type of floating that is used involves holding the horse’s tongue forward and pulling the corners of the mouth up.
The horse’s teeth will then naturally float. Another method involves using a rubber cup to press the teeth down. A third method involves pulling the lower jaw forward so that the teeth are held between the cheeks and the lower jaw. If you have any questions about floating, you should ask your veterinarian.
Read more about How Many Teeth Does A Horse Have? Amazing Horse Dental Facts Revealed!
What Are The Signs A Horse Needs Teeth Floated?
You may be wondering why the horse needs teeth floated. Well, horses do not have gums or gingivitis. They have a hard surface, called the enamel, that protects the innermost layer of the tooth that’s directly under the gum tissue. When a tooth becomes damaged (broken, chipped, cracked, etc.), the enamel is exposed, making the area susceptible to infection.
When the horse swallows food, bacteria will attach to the tooth’s exposed enamel. When they reach the horse’s stomach, the bacteria will start producing acid that can dissolve and eat away at the protective enamel. The horse must eat and drink regularly to prevent this from happening.
Health Benefits Of Horse Teeth Floating
Most people who sell horses do so because they love the animals, but many of them have no idea what to look for when purchasing a new horse. Here are five signs that your horse could benefit from having his or her teeth floated:
- 1. Your horse’s mouth has an open, raspy, or wet/slippery sound. This could mean that your horse has an unkempt mouth or possibly some dental issues.
- 2. Your horse’s gums are recessed and pale. This could indicate that your horse has gum disease, which leads to tooth decay and eventual tooth loss.
- 3. Your horse has no bite. When a horse bites, it means there is a strong pressure on the horse’s teeth, which is what causes a horse’s mouth to be open and relaxed. Without a strong bite, the horse’s jaw is weak.
- 4. Your horse has poor body condition. Horses with poor body conditions often have missing hooves, poor hoof shape, and bad hair coats. These conditions cause the horse to feel uncomfortable, and they can lead to pain and discomfort.
- 5. Your horse is showing signs of depression. The horses that show the most signs of depression are those that have never been ridden or touched in a year. They may also be very skittish and jumpy, refuse to eat, or display other similar symptoms.
How Often Should An Average Horse Have His/Her Teeth Floated?
If a horse’s teeth are in good condition, the dental professional should visit every four to six months to ensure that the gum tissue surrounding each tooth is healthy.
The frequency of visits depends on the age and health of the horse, but generally, horses are usually seen every six months. If a horse has recently been eating hard objects, such as stones or other objects, the dentist should be called sooner than normal.
Learn more about Horse With Dog Teeth – Equine Dentistry Explained!
Conclusion On The Question How Often Should An Average Horse Have His/Her Teeth Floated?
In conclusion, if you look after your horse’s teeth and feed him/her a high-quality diet, you will see a healthy smile. It’s important to make sure that your horse gets regular dental treatment. The longer your horse has his teeth without treatment, the more likely they are to become diseased. If you notice any unusual signs or symptoms in your horse, it’s important to act quickly to reduce the risk of serious health problems.
Remember that the real answer to the question of how often should an average horse have his/her teeth floated can vary from horse to horse. So, if you notice some of the signs we listed, try to take your horse to a horse dentist. However, we recommend a dental checkup every 2-3 months.
For other horse-related topics, check our other horse-related articles. I hope you got the answer you needed on the question of how often should an average horse have his/her teeth floated.
Thanks for reading!
FAQ
Can i float my horses teeth myself?
There are a lot of people who think they can float their horses teeth themselves and then sell them. There's a problem with this though - you need to find a dentist who actually floats teeth for a living. But, it's not hard to find someone who does float teeth. Ask around, visit a dental school, ask other people about floating teeth.
What does floating a horse’s teeth mean?
Floating is a horse term for tooth chattering, which happens when a horse’s teeth clatter together while chewing or eating. The movement makes the horse uncomfortable. To avoid this, a horse dentist will float the teeth with a small bit of rubber or plastic to prevent chattering.
Why do horses need their teeth floated?
They need their teeth floated so they don't develop larger health problems. If you don't float your horse's teeth, the sharp edges of the teeth can damage the tongue and the mild tissue on the cheeks of the horse, that way an open wounds will develop. If the horse has some bacteria in their mouth, the wound can get infected and develop larger and more serious health problems.