The points may cut into the cheek or tongue when eating or wearing a tight fitting halter or bridle. A dental rasp or float is used to file off the points and make a smooth surface on the teeth. Abnormal wear can cause hooks to form at the front portion of the upper premolars and the back portion of the lower molars. These hooks limit the chewing motion in affected horses. If they are small they can be rasped off.
Large hooks require cutting followed by rasping.
These are the dental problems that are commonly encountered. There are numerous others, such as tooth root abscesses, that should be addressed by your veterinarian should they occur. The key is to make sure that your horse has regular dental exams. The average young horse, with normal dental conformation, should have yearly exams. After 10-12 years of age, exams are recommended every 6 months.