What is dental floating?
“Floating” is the term used for filing down sharp enamel points or overgrown areas on a horse’s teeth. Because horse teeth erupt continuously throughout life, natural wear doesn’t always keep them even. This can leave sharp edges that cause pain when chewing or wearing a bit.
Why floating is done:
- Smooth sharp points that cut cheeks or tongue.
- Correct uneven wear patterns (hooks, ramps, step mouth, wave mouth).
- Restore comfortable jaw movement.
- Improve chewing efficiency and prevent weight loss.
Welfare considerations:
- Floating should only be performed when necessary, not automatically on a rigid schedule.
- Over-filing can damage teeth and shorten their useful life.
- Sedation is sometimes required for safe, thorough work – keeping horse and handler calm.
- Only qualified equine dentists or veterinarians should perform floating.
Floating isn’t about making teeth ‘perfect’ – it’s about maintaining comfort, natural function, and welfare. With good diet, regular observation, and routine dental exams, many horses need only minimal floating to stay happy and healthy.
The Happy Horse Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission
The Happy Horse Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission
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