Dental care is one of those things that is easy to overlook — your pony's teeth are out of sight, and if they have not been checked, you may not know there is a problem until it becomes serious. But dental issues cause weight loss, behavioural problems, riding difficulties and colic. A yearly dental check is a small cost that prevents large problems, and it is a basic part of responsible pony ownership. Here is what every pony owner needs to know.
Why pony teeth need attention
A pony's teeth grow continuously throughout its life — up to 30–40 years. As the teeth wear down from grinding food, they can develop sharp points, hooks and uneven surfaces. Because a pony's upper jaw is slightly wider than its lower jaw, the outside edges of the upper cheek teeth and the inside edges of the lower cheek teeth tend to develop sharp points that can cut the cheeks and tongue, causing pain and ulcers.
Unlike humans, who get tooth decay, ponies mostly suffer from mechanical wear problems — sharp edges, hooks, ramps, and steps that affect how the pony chews and how the bit sits in the mouth. Regular rasping (filing) smooths these and prevents them from causing trouble.
How often should your pony see the dentist?
- Adult ponies (5–20 years): once a year is sufficient for most. Some may need six-monthly checks if they have specific issues.
- Young ponies (under 5): every 6 months. Young ponies are losing deciduous (baby) teeth and growing permanent ones — problems are common during this transition.
- Older ponies (20+): every 6 months. Worn, loose or missing teeth are common in veterans, and they may need special management to maintain weight.
- New ponies: have a dental check as part of the pre-purchase or first-week vet check, so you know what you are starting with.
Who should do it — vet or equine dental technician?
Two types of professional can perform equine dental work in the UK:
- Veterinary surgeons: qualified to perform all dental procedures, including extractions, sedation and surgery. Many pony owners use their vet for routine rasping, often combining it with vaccinations to save on call-out fees.
- Equine dental technicians (EDTs): specifically trained in equine dentistry. A qualified EDT (look for BAEDT or EVDA membership) is highly skilled at routine examinations and rasping. However, they cannot sedate or perform surgical procedures without veterinary involvement.
For most routine dental care, either is fine. If your pony needs sedation, extractions or has a complex problem, a vet is required. Some vets and EDTs work together on yards — the EDT does routine work and calls the vet for anything surgical.
What happens during a dental check-up
- Sedation (if needed) — some ponies are fidgety or head-shy, and sedation makes the examination safer and more thorough. It is not always necessary.
- Speculum — a metal gag that holds the mouth open so the practitioner can see right to the back teeth.
- Examination — using a light and sometimes a mirror or camera, the practitioner checks every tooth for sharp points, hooks, loose teeth, gaps (diastemata), ulcers and other issues.
- Rasping — sharp points and hooks are filed smooth using hand rasps or power tools. This is not painful — it is like filing your fingernails.
- Extractions (if needed) — loose or problematic teeth (such as wolf teeth) may be removed. Wolf teeth are small, vestigial teeth in front of the upper cheek teeth that can interfere with the bit.
- Report — the practitioner will tell you what they found, what they did, and when to schedule the next visit.
What it costs
- Routine examination and rasping: £50–£80 per visit.
- Sedation (if needed): £30–£60 additional.
- Wolf tooth removal: £50–£150 depending on complexity.
- Complex extractions or surgery: £200+ — these are usually vet-only procedures.
One routine visit a year is a tiny cost compared to treating the problems that neglected teeth cause — weight loss, colic from poorly chewed food, and behavioural issues that may be misdiagnosed as training problems. See our full cost breakdown to budget for it.
Signs your pony may have dental problems
Do not wait for the annual check if you notice any of these:
- Dropping food (quidding) — the pony chews but balls of semi-chewed food fall from the mouth. This is a classic sign of painful teeth.
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition despite adequate feed.
- Bad breath or a foul smell from the mouth — can indicate infection or tooth decay.
- Head-tossing, head-shyness or resistance to the bit — sharp teeth or wolf teeth can make the bit painful.
- Reluctance to eat hard food or favouring one side when chewing.
- Nasal discharge — in severe cases, tooth root infections can discharge through the sinuses.
- Behavioural changes — a normally well-behaved pony that suddenly naps, bucks or refuses contact may have mouth pain.
If your pony suddenly develops a riding or behavioural problem, have the teeth checked before blaming training or temperament. Mouth pain is one of the most commonly overlooked causes of "naughty" behaviour.
Wolf teeth and the bit
Wolf teeth are small, blunt teeth that sit in front of the upper cheek teeth. Not all ponies have them — they are absent in roughly 20–30% of horses. When present, they can cause pain when the bit sits against them, leading to head-tossing, reluctance to accept contact, or resistance to steering. Many vets and EDTs recommend removing wolf teeth before a pony goes into ridden work, particularly if the pony shows any bit-related discomfort. Removal is a quick procedure, usually done under sedation, and recovery is fast.
Dental care for older ponies
As ponies age, their teeth wear down, become loose, or fall out. An older pony with poor teeth may struggle to chew hay effectively, leading to weight loss and quidding. Management strategies include:
- Switching to soaked feed (speedi-beet, soaked pony nuts, mash) that requires minimal chewing.
- Soaking hay to make it softer, or using hay replacers (chopped fibre products designed for veterans).
- More frequent dental checks (every 6 months) to manage loose teeth and sharp points.
- Monitoring weight closely — dental issues are a leading cause of weight loss in older ponies. Read our guide to caring for older ponies.
Next steps
- Book a dental check if your pony has not had one in the last year. Your vet can usually combine it with vaccinations to save on call-out fees.
- Budget for annual dental care — see what a first pony really costs.
- If your pony has behavioural or riding issues, read our guide to when to call the vet — dental pain is a common cause.
One visit a year, a few pounds, and a mouthful of smooth teeth — it is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your pony comfortable, healthy and happy in its work.