Researchers’ understanding of how bits and horses’ mouths interact is far superior than that of decades ago, but the ideal combination of factors to keep bitted mouths healthy remains just out of reach. According to one equine veterinarian and dentist, however, using gentle hands and bit seats–among other elements–can contribute to a healthy equine mouth.

At the American Association of Equine Practitioners Focus on Dentistry meeting, held Sept. 18-20 in Albuquerque, N.M., Jack Easley, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP, a private practitioner from Equine Veterinary Practice LLC, in Shelbyville, Ky., discussed the age-old question of how to best keep a horse’s mouth healthy if he wears a bit frequently.

Historical Perspective on Bit Seating

"Oral ulcerations and injuries caused from the bit were recognized and recorded in early veterinary literature," Easley explained. "These were first thought to be caused from the bit pulling the oral soft tissues against sharp enamel points on the cheek teeth