Page 55 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

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Figure 2.10 Severe overgrowth of the 2nd premolars (upper 6s) in the upper jaw

These overgrown teeth have a significant effect on performance horses. When the horse is
asked to flex its neck and come onto the bit, the lower jaw glides forward in relation to the

upper teeth. Hooks on the front upper cheek teeth and the back lower molars make this
impossible unless the horse opens its mouth (Figure 2.11). Unfortunately some riders will

then use nosebands to prevent the mouth from opening without understanding the problem.
This can cause pain in the horse’s TMJ, neck and back. Hooks on the second premolar can
also cause pain in the soft tissues of the mouth caused by pressure from the bit.