By Dr. Chad Baumwart, Highland Equine Hospital, Arapaho, OK
Equine dental health is a crucial aspect of a horse’s overall well-being. Horses rely on healthy teeth to efficiently grind feed and maintain proper nutrition. One of the most common and essential dental procedures for horses is floating—a technique used to smooth out sharp points and correct uneven surfaces on a horse’s teeth. At Highland Equine Hospital in Arapaho, OK, Dr. Chad Baumwart has an expertise in equine dental floating, and helps horses live healthier, more comfortable lives.
What is Equine Dental Floating?
Dental floating refers to the process of filing or rasping down sharp enamel points that naturally develop on the molars and premolars of horses. Horses’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, and as they grind, they can develop sharp edges that cause discomfort, oral ulcers, and difficulties in chewing. Floating ensures that the teeth have a smooth, functional surface, allowing for better digestion and preventing oral pain.
Why is Floating Necessary?
In the wild, horses consume a varied diet of rough forage that naturally wears down their teeth. However, domestic horses often eat hay, grains, or processed feeds, which do not provide the same level of abrasive action. As a result, sharp points and other dental abnormalities such as waves, hooks, and ramps may develop over time. If left untreated, these dental issues can lead to:
- Grinding difficulties and poor digestion.
- Weight loss due to an inability to eat comfortably.
- Behavioral issues caused by pain and discomfort.
- Oral ulcers from sharp teeth rubbing against the inside of the cheeks and tongue.
Signs Your Horse Needs Dental Floating
There are several signs that indicate your horse may need a dental exam and floating:
- Dropping food while chewing (quidding).
- Weight loss or lack of interest in food.
- Bad breath or excessive salivation.
- Head tilting or favoring one side while eating.
- Reluctance to accept the bit or changes in behavior under saddle.
- Visible signs of facial swelling or discomfort.
Regular dental exams can help catch these issues early and prevent more serious health concerns.
How Dental Floating is Performed
At Highland Equine Hospital , Dr. Chad Baumwart takes a gentle, precise approach to equine dental floating. The procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Sedation: Horses are often sedated to keep them calm and relaxed during the procedure. This ensures both the safety of the horse and the veterinarian.
- Mouth Speculum: A speculum is placed to keep the horse’s mouth open, providing better visibility and access to the teeth.
- Filing Teeth: Dr. Baumwart uses a Powerfloat® to file down sharp points, hooks, and other irregularities.
- Final Check: Once the floating is complete, Dr. Baumwart thoroughly examines the teeth to ensure proper alignment and a smooth surface.
The entire procedure is relatively quick, and horses typically recover from sedation less than an hour.
Frequency of Dental Floating
The frequency of dental floating depends on the age, diet, and lifestyle of the horse. As a general guideline:
- Young Horses (2-5 years old): Frequent floating may be required as the teeth are growing and changing rapidly.
- Adult Horses (5-20 years old): Annual floating is recommended to maintain proper dental alignment.
- Senior Horses (20+ years old): Older horses may need more frequent care due to dental wear, loose teeth, or missing teeth.
Benefits of Equine Dental Floating
- Improves Chewing Efficiency: Smooth teeth allow horses to grind food effectively, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Prevents Pain and Oral Ulcers: Floating eliminates sharp points that can cause cuts and sores inside the mouth.
- Enhances Performance: Comfortable teeth make horses more responsive to the bit and reduce behavioral issues under saddle.
- Promotes Weight Maintenance: Horses with healthy teeth are more likely to maintain their appetite and proper weight.
- Prevents Long-Term Dental Problems: Regular floating can prevent serious issues such as abscesses, infections, and uneven wear patterns.
Risks of Not Floating Your Horse’s Teeth
Failing to address dental issues can have long-term consequences for a horse’s health. Without regular floating, horses may experience:
- Chronic weight loss due to improper chewing.
- Behavioral changes such as aggression, head tossing, or reluctance to work.
- Severe dental infections requiring extractions or more invasive treatments.
- Increased vet bills due to untreated dental problems progressing into more complex health issues.
Special Considerations for Geriatric Horses
Older horses often develop dental issues such as loose teeth or gaps between teeth (diastemas). These conditions can make it challenging for senior horses to chew properly, leading to weight loss and discomfort. At Highland Equine Hospital , Dr. Baumwart offers specialized dental care for geriatric horses, ensuring they can maintain good oral health and quality of life.
The Role of Floating in Overall Equine Health
Dental health plays a vital role in a horse’s overall well-being. In addition to supporting proper digestion, healthy teeth also prevent secondary issues such as colic and choke. Horses with comfortable mouths are more likely to eat regularly, maintain their energy levels, and perform well under saddle.
Equine Dental Floating at Highland Vet Clinic
At Highland Equine Hospital in Arapaho, OK, Dr. Chad Baumwart provides expert mobile equine dental floating services. With a deep understanding of equine health and behavior, Dr. Baumwart ensures each horse receives the personalized care they need. Whether your horse is a young foal, a performance horse, or a beloved senior companion, we are committed to helping them stay healthy and comfortable.
Q&A Section – Equine Dental Floating
Q: How often does my horse need dental floating?
A: Most horses benefit from annual floating, but some may require it more frequently, especially if they have existing dental issues.
Q: Can I tell if my horse needs floating just by looking at their teeth?
A: It can be difficult to spot dental issues without a thorough exam. Behavioral changes, dropping food, and difficulty chewing are key signs.
Q: Is dental floating painful for horses?
A: No. Horses are usually sedated during the procedure to ensure their comfort and minimize stress.
Q: What happens if I don’t float my horse’s teeth?
A: Untreated dental issues can lead to weight loss, infections, ulcers, and behavioral problems.
Q: Can older horses still benefit from floating?
A: Absolutely. Senior horses often need floating to manage age-related dental issues and maintain their ability to eat comfortably.
Q: Can Dr. Baumwart float all size of horses?
A: Absolutely. Dr. Baumwart has dental equipment for all sizes from a mini horse to the size of a Percheron.
Schedule Your Horse’s Dental Exam Today
Regular dental floating is essential for keeping your horse healthy and comfortable. Contact Dr. Chad Baumwart at Highland Equine Hospital to schedule a dental exam or floating appointment for your horse. Our team provides expert care tailored to meet the unique needs of every horse we serve.
Contact Information:
- Address: 10078 US-183
Arapaho, OK 73620
- Phone: (580) 323-0150