Teeth

at birth, the foal has twenty-four deciduous teeth(temporary or milk teeth)
a full mouthed stallion has forty teeth (but may have 42 or 44)
a full grown mare usually has thirty six teeth (but may have 40)
mares usually lack canine teeth
horses may also have a vestigial first premolar, or wolf tooth
if present, the wolf tooth is usually on the upper jaw, but may be on the lower, or even both jaws
incisor teeth are used for prehension (grasping of food)
premolars and molars grind the food
a horses teeth grow throughout its life
- growth allows for wear
- growth also allows age to be judged by the teeth
a horse's age can only be estimated by judging the teeth; diet and other factors can alter wear rates
age can be estimated using:
- number and type of teeth
- angle of occlusion (bite)
- Galvayne's groove
- Dental star
dental problems can cause:
- chewing problems (and therefore weight loss or possibly gastrointestinal upset)
- excessive salivation
- halitosis (bad breath)