Canine Teeth
Sometimes there is confusion between canine teeth and wolf teeth in a horse. They are not the same thing. This will tell you all about the canine teeth.
Canines which are also called tushes, tusks or bridle teeth are the fighting teeth of a horse and are used to grab and to rip with. Canine teeth are most commonly found in adult male horses. These teeth will erupt at 4 1/2 years of age and will come in as permanent teeth. There will be 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom. It is very uncommon for a male horse not to get canines. Some female horses will have canines, but this is rare. Most of the time if a mare does get a set of canines, they will be smaller in comparison. Once in a great while though, you will find a mare with large canines.
The canine teeth are located between the incisors (front teeth) and the molars (back teeth) in front of the bars. (The open space where the bit rests.)
Canines are the most solidly anchored tooth in the horses' mouth with a knob on the end of the root to help hold them in place.
An Equine Dentist will cut these teeth down about halfway and buff them, so they are rounded and not sharp and pointy. Sometimes a horse will bump his mouth and a sharp canine can cause a puncture wound to the inside of his jaw or tongue. Also when bitting up your horse, he could accidentally jab you with it as well. It is always best to have these teeth cut down and buffed as a safety precaution for you and your horse.
Some older male horses will get a tartar buildup around their canines. If you notice a greyish colored blob of gunk around the bottom of the lower canines, just take a pair of pliers and peel that away. Tartar buildup can on occasion cause an infection.
A regular visit from your Equine Dentist is important for the health and well being of your horse. Many horses have dental problems that can affect his health, nutrition and disposition. Even if your horse doesn't have any special dental problems, his teeth will be sharp and it will affect his eating, his performance on the bit and his comfort.