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| Staff Writer |
Eight out of ten performance issues in racehorses can be traced back to dental problems, yet 40% of thoroughbreds never receive regular dental care. This startling disconnect, revealed in recent studies, exposes a critical blind spot in racing that costs owners millions in lost prize money and training days annually.
For young thoroughbreds entering training, dental issues represent one of the most significant yet frequently undetected obstacles to peak performance. In an industry where the difference between victory and defeat is measured in milliseconds and millions, this oversight isn't just surprising - it's potentially catastrophic.
"High-performance racehorses need a big array of things to go right while in training. Proper dentistry done by a highly qualified dental technician can improve your horse's performance immensely." - David Smith, Former Jockey and Equine Dentist.
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The landscape of equine dentistry has transformed dramatically over the past decade and a half, with technological advancements revolutionising diagnosis and treatment. David Smith, who transitioned from professional race riding to equine dentistry after a 30-year career in the saddle, has witnessed this evolution firsthand. During his extensive career, he worked as a jockey and work rider for Zabeel Stables and worked with the Dubai Racing Club. His wife, Bitten Wego Smith, has been working as a work rider at the Red Stables for over 14 years. Now a full-time equine dental technician, David explains: "Equine dentistry has evolved immensely in the last 15 or so years, due to better instruments, X-ray, and CT technology," he explains. "To be honest it has become as good as human dentistry in the last few years."
Smith's passion for his work is evident: "Horse dentistry excites me the most, great feedback from the clients and when you see the results that the horses benefit from the procedure of correct dental care. Like increasing overall body condition, increased muscle mass, and energy that the horses get through the mastication process of extracting all the needed elements from their feed. Some of the results are quite amazing to see."
Modern practitioners now utilise specialised power tools with diamond-coated burrs and precision-guided instruments that allow for more accurate floating procedures. These advances have revolutionised treatment approaches, particularly for performance horses where even minor dental irregularities can impact racing success.
The most crucial period for thoroughbred dental health spans ages two to five, during which horses undergo significant dental transitions. "They shed 24 baby teeth through that time period - 12 premolar caps and 12 incisor caps," Smith notes. This natural process can significantly impact training schedules and race preparation if not properly managed.
Proper dental care during this period is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. As Smith explains, "It is imperative to maintain the proper table angles on the arcades for the horses to be able to utilise all the nutrients in their feed through the mastication process. A well-maintained mouth can also increase a horse's age substantially."
Veterinary studies have demonstrated that proper dental care during these formative years can extend a racehorse's career by an average of two seasons. The research tracked 500 thoroughbreds over a five-year period, finding that those receiving regular dental care from age two showed significantly better longevity in racing careers compared to those with sporadic or reactive dental treatment.
The telltale signs are clear, as Smith notes: "They go off their feed, as it is quite painful for them to chew when their permanent teeth are pushing through to try and shed their baby caps which in some cases they get retained and have to be extracted. Another indication is they produce more saliva than normal, drooling." For riders, he adds, "The horse will bite the bit on 1 side or the opposite side. They also toss their heads to the side, up high and in some cases, they put their heads really low. All to try to get away from pain they are experiencing in their mouths."
Less obvious signs that trainers should watch for include:
• Unexplained head shyness or resistance to bridling
• Quidding (dropping partially chewed food)
• Sudden changes in head carriage during exercise
• Unexpected performance decline in otherwise healthy horses
These symptoms often manifest before more serious issues develop, providing a crucial window for preventive intervention. Leading trainers like Charlie Appleby and Aidan O'Brien now incorporate dental checks into their regular training protocols, treating them with the same priority as routine veterinary examinations. Leading UAE trainers regularly engage David's services for their horses, treating dental care with the same priority as routine veterinary examinations.
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The integration of advanced imaging technology has transformed diagnosis and treatment planning. Three-dimensional imaging allows practitioners to:
• Visualise tooth root problems in unprecedented detail
• Plan complex extractions with greater precision
• Monitor developmental changes in young horses
• Track the progression of dental corrections over time
Leading racing jurisdictions worldwide have begun incorporating dental screening into pre-purchase examinations, recognising its crucial role in predicting potential future issues. Hong Kong Jockey Club, for instance, now requires comprehensive dental examination as part of their stringent import requirements, having found a direct correlation between dental health and racing career longevity.
The financial mathematics of proper equine dental care presents a compelling case for regular maintenance. While comprehensive dental treatments can cost between US$200-500 per session, the potential return on investment is substantial through improved feed efficiency and reduced training complications.
"For most racing stables it's important that their horses get dental care every 6 months and regular check-ups while the horses are going through the shedding of their baby teeth," Smith emphasises. "Hence once the caps have been shed, the permanent teeth erupting through can be extremely sharp, and can cause extreme lacerations if not corrected in time."
Industry data suggests that horses receiving regular dental care benefit from:
• Improved feed utilisation and nutrition absorption
• Reduced training days lost to health issues
• Better performance during exercise and racing
• Extended career longevity through preventive care
Leading racing operations worldwide now consider dental care as essential as traditional veterinary services.
The field continues to advance rapidly, with new technologies emerging regularly. Digital imaging systems, 3D printing for dental procedures, and advanced diagnostic tools are becoming increasingly common in leading equine dental practices. These innovations are enabling more precise treatments and better outcomes, further cementing the role of dental care in racing success.
Emerging technologies promise even greater advances:
• Artificial intelligence systems for early detection of dental abnormalities
• Custom-designed dental appliances using 3D printing technology
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques for complex dental procedures
• Real-time imaging during treatment for enhanced precision
Research facilities at major equine veterinary centers are currently exploring these technologies, with several promising developments on the horizon. A dedicated equine dental research programme, focusing specifically on performance horse applications has also been launched.
Smith's experience as both a jockey and dentist provides unique insights into the relationship between dental health and performance. His career has yielded some memorable moments, including a particularly amusing incident: "Once a client asked me to correct their horses' teeth and the horse was only 5 days old with no teeth!" In another case that demonstrates the immediate impact of dental care, he recalls, "I did a 4-year-old horse with extremely sharp teeth that had not been eating for some time, after I finished the dental procedure, he could eat his food and hay properly and started bucking around the box with excitement. I also heard that he had thrown his rider off the following morning!"
In today's highly competitive racing environment, proper dental care transcends basic animal welfare—it stands as a critical performance factor that can significantly influence racing outcomes. As our understanding of equine dental health continues to evolve, its importance in the racing industry only grows, making it an essential consideration for owners, trainers, and racing professionals committed to maximising their horses' potential.