April 18, 2025: Bonus Buzz - Let’s Talk Teeth—Why Your Horse’s Mouth Matters
Let’s be honest—all pet mouths matter, not just horses. My daughter, Dr. Payton Wise, is a veterinarian who spends a lot of time extracting teeth from cats and dogs with neglected mouths. So consider this your gentle nudge (and shameless plug!) to stay on top of dental care for all your furry family members.
Now back to Bee—and her big, beautiful, hay-chomping grin.
🐴 Horses’ teeth grow… forever-ish.
Unlike ours, horse teeth continue erupting throughout their lives. It’s great for grazing wild pastures—but domestic horses need regular dental care to avoid issues like sharp points, hooks, or uneven wear.
🪥 That Tooth Gap? It’s Handy.
There’s a natural gap between a horse’s front incisors and back molars—it’s called the bars of the mouth. It’s where the bit rests during a ride and, fun fact, it’s the “safe-ish” spot to check their mouth if needed. (Still—only if you know what you’re doing.)
😴 Yes, Horses Are Sedated for Floats
Dental floats—where the vet files down sharp points and balances the teeth—are usually done under sedation. Why? Because horses have long, powerful jaws and a very strong chewing reflex. Even the gentlest horse can react suddenly when a file touches a sore spot. Sedation ensures safety for the vet, the horse, and their teeth—keeping the process smooth and stress-free.
🦷 Bee’s Dental Status:
Bee hasn’t had a float under my care yet, but she’s staying on our vet’s regular schedule. With everything we’ve learned so far, we’re big fans of preventive care.
📆 Teeth Can Tell Age, Too.
That old saying “long in the tooth”? It comes from horses. As they age, their gums recede and their teeth appear longer—making it a poetic (and slightly sassy) way of saying someone’s getting up there in years.
Moral of the story? Keep those mouths healthy—whether they whinny, bark, or meow.
#BonusBuzz #HorseTeeth101 #DentalCareMatters #BeeStrong #TheWeeklyBuzzWithBee #WiseMarketLLC #ChewOnThis #LongInTheTooth #VetLifeProud
Bee says, “Look at my top and bottom incisors, I have 12 incisors total, 12 pre-molars, and 12 molars!”
Bee giving her best
Royce flashing a toothy grin.