Head tilting or tossing, bit chewing, tongue lolling, fighting the bit, or resisting bridling. Poor performance, such as lugging on the bridle, failing to turn or stop, even bucking. Foul odor from mouth or nostrils, or traces of blood from the mouth. Nasal discharge or swelling of the face, jaw, or mouth tissues. Oral exams should be an essential part of an annual physical examination by a veterinarian.
Every dental exam provides the opportunity to perform routine preventative dental maintenance.
The end result is a healthier, more comfortable horse. The process of rasping or filing a horse's teeth is know as floating or dressing. This is the most common dental procedure veterinarians perform on horses. Floating removes sharp enamel points and can create a more even bite plane. It also helps keep incisors and cheek teeth at a desirable length.