A thorough dental examination provides the opportunity for a veterinarian to properly examine the mouth and teeth and allows painful problems to be picked up and treated early | Photo: Adam Spradling/The Horse

Dental and oral problems are very common in horses and many of these conditions can lead to behavior changes, chronic pain, and reduced performance.

To provide horses with optimal health and quality of life, good oral care is essential.

Kirsten Jackson, BSc, BVMS, MANZCVS, AVA representative, said this year’s Dental Health Month theme—“Healthy Set, Happy Pet”—highlights the importance of good oral health in horses and its impact on the overall health of an animal. It also raises awareness of the need for at least yearly dental check-ups performed by a veterinarian