The small undeveloped canines found in some mares may cause performance problems and may be removed or rasped level with gum. These retained deciduous incisors should be extracted so the permanent incisors can move into their correct location. The incisors need to be examined by viewing from the front to see if they are level or not. If the occlusal surfaces are not level, then levelling should be done. The incisors may become too long causing poor occlusion of the cheek teeth resulting in inadequate mastication of food.
Correction is by shortening the incisors.
Levelling and shortening the incisors should only be done by someone knowledgeable in dental procedures. It is helpful to have an understanding of when permanent teeth erupt as erupting teeth may cause the horse discomfort resulting in both eating and performance problems. These are only guidelines as not all horses read the book. It may take frequent examinations and minor dental procedures to keep a horse of this age at peak performance levels. It is common for old horses to develop wave mouths and other problems as their teeth wear out.