Horses are natural grazers with mouths meant to chew rough forage for most of the day. Unlike humans, their teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, gradually wearing down as they chew. However, modern feeding practices and dental issues can lead to uneven wear, sharp points, and discomfort, making routine dental floating an essential part of equine health care. At Polk Equine, we offer equine dental care in Polk County, FL and the surrounding areas, including routine dental floats.
What Is a Dental Float?
A dental float is a routine dental procedure in which an equine veterinarian smooths and levels a horse’s teeth using specialized tools. Horses’ teeth wear unevenly over time, leading to sharp edges, hooks, and points that can cause pain, difficulty chewing, and even performance issues. Floating removes these irregularities, allowing the horse to chew properly and maintain good oral health.
Why Do Horses Need Dental Floating?
Horses evolved to chew tough grasses for hours every day, which naturally wears down their teeth. However, domesticated horses often eat processed grains, hay, and softer feed, which doesn’t provide the same level of wear. This leads to sharp points, uneven wear, and dental imbalances that can cause:
- Pain and discomfort while eating or using a bit.
- Dropping feed (quidding) or chewing unevenly.
- Weight loss due to improper digestion of food.
- Resistance to the bit, head tossing, or difficulty turning while riding.
- Infections or ulcers in the mouth from sharp points.
A horse’s dental issues can mimic training or behavioral problems—regular floating can improve comfort and performance.
What Happens During an Equine Dental Float?
A dental float is a straightforward but pivotal procedure performed by an equine veterinarian or equine dental specialist. A properly floated mouth can lead to better digestion, performance, and overall comfort—helping your horse feel and perform at their best.
Step 1. Pre-Exam & Sedation
The equine vet will examine your horse’s mouth, checking for sharp points, misalignment, ulcers, or infections. A mild sedative may be administered to keep your horse calm and comfortable for their dental float.
Step 2. Floating the Teeth
The vet uses a manual rasp or power float to carefully smooth down sharp edges and correct imbalances. Hooks, ramps, and uneven wear are addressed for a proper bite alignment.
Step 3. Final Check & Recovery
The vet will confirm all necessary adjustments have been made and check for any remaining issues. Your horse will recover from sedation within a short timeframe, though some may need soft feed for the next meal.
How Often Does My Horse Need a Dental Float?
The frequency of dental floating depends on your horse’s age, diet, and overall dental health. Young horses will likely need more frequent floating as their adult teeth erupt and align. Adult horses generally need a dental float once a year to maintain proper wear. Performance horses, horses on certain diets, or those with prior dental issues may need more frequent exams. If you are unsure whether your horse needs a dental float, just ask your local equine vet.
Prioritize Your Horse’s Dental Health
A horse’s teeth are crucial to their health, comfort, and performance. Polk Equine regularly performs dental floats for proper chewing, pain-free eating, and better responsiveness from your equine. No matter if you have a young performance horse or a senior pasture companion, routine dental check-ups can make a big difference in their health. Contact us to schedule an appointment for an equine dental float in Polk County, Lake Wales, Winter Haven, or Haines City, FL.
