Reasons for dentistry:

• Horses have hypsodont teeth which means that their teeth develop from a tooth bud to a set length and then grow no more. Unlike human teeth they have a large amount of reserve crown which is housed within the bones of the upper and lower jaws.
  These teeth belonged to a 4 yr old and show the reserve crown that will last a life time.
• Sharp enamel points on the inner edges of the lower check teeth and outer edges of the upper check teeth result in dis-comfort, especially in a bridled horse and lead to lacerations and abscesses along the cheeks and tongue.
• The teeth are designed to erupt at the same rate as they are worn. Problems arise from teeth that have no opposition as they hyper-erupt and become dominant so upsetting the balance within the mouth, causing dis-ruption to function and discomfort. These problems left unchecked, can cause some horrific consequences, even in relatively young horses. This photo was taken from an 8 year old miniature!