same here, once a year...
How often do you have the dentist out?
I personally have my guys checked once a year by the dentist. However, Annie didn't get her teeth checked for 7 years and didn't have any bad points/ridges to file down. I know it wasn't ideal, but she never gave a reason to do them, as in head tossing, spitting out grain, hay wads, etc. And my grandmother always told me it was important to do but not every single year. My dentist(very highly qualified) also said that it is better for a horse to be done consistently for 2-3 years and then checked the next year and only done if necessary. Please do not tell me I am an idiot, but I don't see the point in doing them every 6 months. Once a year I understand fully, but what is the reasoning behind every 6 months? Chopper has been checked, but not done at all yet and he will be four in April. He has no points or sores or anything like that, so I will be waiting to do his.
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Also once a year, unless at the yearly check the vet suggests another visit sooner.
my vet checks their teeth every 6 months & only does them if they need to be done. my horses have never needed to be done every 6 months but i think its a good idea to check anyways.
I get my guys done regularly, once a year but we had a senior who was seen every 6 months because his teeth werent great. Horses up to 4-5 years old are recommended to be seen every 6 months to check on shedding caps (baby teeth). Horses older than 5 years are recommended to be seen at least once every 12 months. Horses 20 years + should have their teeth checked every 6-12 months
Once a year, however, Walka does have special needs so if it is indicated then as often as needed. So far, he's only needed it twice in one year once. (wow, that sounds a bit confusing!) :wink:
Mine are checked once a year by my vet. They usually get done every other year.
When I got my horse in 2008, we estimated her to be 15 years old. She never had her teeth done (to anyone knowledge) until I bought her. She had one wolf tooth, and some sharp points, but no sores inside of her mouth. Since then, I've had them checked once every year, but they haven't needed to be floated again yet. 
The point of checking every 6 months is to catch problems before they get serious. Being prey animals, horses have evolved to hide pain until it is severe (because it makes them weak and look tasty to predators) so it is up to us to make sure we catch problems early.My dentist(very highly qualified) also said that it is better for a horse to be done consistently for 2-3 years and then checked the next year and only done if necessary.
check out this article The Horse | Does Your Horse Need a Dentist? about why dentistry is important, as well as how to find a dentist. It is illegal in many states for them to practice dentistry without direct veterinary supervison, and always illegal for them to use any kind of sedation if they are not a DVM. I feel that equine dentists are the way to go, but there are far more poorly trained "dentists" out there than there are good ones.
and another article on why to have frequent check ups and what questions you can ask your dentist The Horse | Equine Dental Care is More Than Just Floating Teeth
My horses don't need sedation, they all behave quite nicely. They have been checked, and don't need it. I get mine checked once a year, and if they need it they get done. If not, they get left alone. My dentist is one of the best in the area. There are only 3, plus the vet that does it. I would much rather have a dentist do it than have a vet do it. I only use the second best dentist because I can't exactly afford $120 each for three horses. I can however afford $60 each, so it's more logical. And I trust my dentist, he's been around the block.
Once a year also. I love my dentist, one of the horses is head shy and he still doesn't have to use any sedation or contraptions at all.
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