Recent Studies have shown that domestic horses have 80% more dental abnormalities then their wild counterparts. Through domestication we have altered their grazing habits, diet and breeding.
Wild horses graze approximately 14-18 hrs a day. While chewing the opposing tooth wears away a little bit of the chewing surface, maintaining a natural balance. The grasses found in a wild habitat have a much higher silicate content, which is far more abrasive then our farmed pastures. This lack of silicate in the grass along with shortened grazing time allows unwanted pathology to form faster then the rate of wear.
Crossbreeding or line breeding is also a common culprit for dental abnormalities, often causing overcrowding or extra teeth. All of the above can be very uncomfortable for the horse and impede the normal chewing action. This will eventually result in abnormal pressure and rotation to the TMJs.
The overgrown teeth can make it difficult or impossible for the horse to lower his head and drop it's jaw forward. This makes it difficult for the horse to truly round and work on the bit. Often this is when the horse will try to communicate with its rider by acting out, in this situation, it is purely the horse trying to communicate the discomfort.
Signs Your horse may need a dentist
Suddenly dropping food while eating
Sipping water intermittently with heating hay or grain
