06/09/2024
It’s a common misconception that a horse’s teeth keep growing indefinitely. In reality, horses have evolved to have hypsodont dentition, meaning they have teeth with a large reserve crown that gradually erupts over their lifetime whilst being worn down through grazing.
The teeth erupt and wear down at a rate of approximately 2-4mm per year. This process means that the length of the hypsodont tooth is finite; eventually, the tooth will wear down completely as the horse ages.
If dental overgrowths occur and are not properly managed, they will continue to worsen over time because the teeth will continue erupting. Regular dental check-ups are essential to address these issues and maintain your horse’s oral health.