Did you know?

Some horses have extra teeth!

Supernumerary teeth are additional teeth that develop beyond the normal number. They can appear anywhere along the dental arcades but are most often found near the cheek teeth or, less commonly, among the incisors.

These are true extra teeth – different from wolf teeth (the small first premolars, which are normal anatomical variants) or retained deciduous caps (baby teeth that haven’t shed). Supernumerary teeth form as a developmental anomaly and can cause problems depending on their size, shape, and position.

Potential problems include:

Crowding or rotation of adjacent teeth.
Abnormal wear on opposing teeth.
Food packing and periodontal disease.
Facial swelling or sinus issues if infection develops.
Unilateral nasal discharge when roots extend into the sinus.
Head tossing, behavioural changes, or bit resistance from discomfort.

Diagnosis and management:

Routine oral exams help detect irregularities early.
Floating can help maintain balance when mild crowding exists.
Radiography or CT imaging is sometimes required to evaluate the tooth’s root structure and its proximity to the sinuses before treatment or extraction.
Extraction may be necessary if the extra tooth causes pain, infection, or misalignment.

Supernumerary teeth aren’t always problematic, but early detection is key. With proper imaging, diagnosis, and regular dental care, most horses can remain comfortable and avoid secondary complications.

The Happy Horse Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission