Although most horses in the wild live happy lives without ever seeing a dentist, DeeDee and Clyde go for periodic check-ups. This is because even the calmest horse whose has a sore tooth may resist bridling, toss their heads, or behave unpredictably.
Are you curious to know what it’s like for a horse to visit the dentist? Read on to learn more!
Do horses like going to the dentist?
DeeDee and Clyde are very good patients!
Like many of us, while horses may not look forward to going to the dentist, with proper handling and a gently approach by the dentist it can be a pleasant experience.
Do horses sit in a dentist’s chair?
Horses usually stand during their dental procedure, which is performed in a barn or stable rather than the traditional office that we are used to.
How do dentists clean their teeth?
Horses’ teeth continue to grow through their whole lives! The focus of their cleanings – also called “floating” – is to maintain the shape and function of their teeth by filing down sharp edges and smoothing the teeth using a hand file or electric tool.
Does floating hurt the horse?
The horse may feel some pressure, movement and vibration during the procedure. Just like us, they may be mildly sedated for more involved procedures.
What can I learn from DeeDee and Clyde about going to the dentist?
If DeeDee and Clyde could talk they would say, “Going to the dentist can be a little scary. We used to feel nervous too! But it’s not so bad once you get used to it. The dentist helps us feel better by making sure our teeth are in good shape, which makes eating and everything else a lot more comfortable.”