Routine Dental Checks for Young Horses: Why Timing Matters

Young horses shed and erupt teeth quickly between two and five years of age, and retained caps or sharp enamel points can make bitting uncomfortable long before owners notice a problem.

Scheduling checks every six months during this period lets the vet remove loose caps, address hooks early and give owners a clear picture of what normal development looks like.

Signs worth a call include dropping feed, head tossing when ridden, a sour smell from the mouth or weight loss despite a good appetite.