What Are the Causes of Tartar Buildup & Loose Teeth in Horses?

Proper horse care includes the care of horse teeth. Some tartar buildup is normal, and there are times when loose teeth is a common condition. The normal tartar buildup is removed by a vet during routine yearly checkups and horse care. However, it is important to know when these issues are normal and when they signal serious problems.

  1. Loose Baby Teeth

    • Horses that are not yet fully grown lose their baby teeth. Between the ages of 2 and 5, a horse should lose its original teeth as new teeth come in. It is normal for any young horse under the age of 5 to have loose teeth, according to Dr. John Canning of the "Speaking Equine" newsletter. He suggests visiting a vet twice a year during this time to ensure proper tooth growth and development.

    Normal Tartar or Cementum

    • Cementum in a horse is the yellow-brown or black staining from normal food consumption. The staining comes from the plants horses eat and is not a health concern. The appearance is similar to negative tartar buildup, a sign of problems with the horse's health, but it does not irritate the gums. A vet removes the cementum.

    Old Age

    • Horses of around 20 to 30 years old might have tartar buildup and loose teeth. This is an unavoidable problem as horses age. Older horses often have more tartar buildup and loose teeth due to long-term eating habits.

    Kidney Failure

    • If a horse has tartar buildup along with increased thirst, weight loss and pale mucus membranes, it might be experiencing kidney failure. This requires screening and care from a qualified vet. Only a vet is able to determine if the problem stems from kidney failure or other issues. Kidney failure resulting in tartar buildup on the teeth is most commonly seen in horses of between at least 20 and 30 years old.