Equine Dental Care - Dental Disease, Signs & Treatment in Horses

Dental health plays a vital role in a horse's comfort, digestion, behaviour, and overall performance. Because horses' teeth continually erupt throughout their lives, regular dental examinations are essential to prevent painful dental disease and unsure proper function. 

At Vet Cross, we provide professional equine dental care to help identify problems early and support your horse's long-term wellbeing.

Why Dental health Matters in Horses

Horses rely on healthy teeth to grind forage effectively. Uneven wear to dental abnormalities can lead to pain, difficulty eating, weight loss, and behavioural changes under saddle.

Unlike people, horses often hide discomfort, meaning dental disease can progress quietly before obvious signs appear. Routine dental checks allow problems to be addressed before they impact your horse's health and performance.

Common Dental Problems in Horses

Some of the most frequently diagnosed dental issues in horses include:

• Sharp enamel points that irritate the cheeks and tongue
• Hooks and ramps that restrict jaw movement
• Wave mouth or step mouth from uneven wear
• Diastemas (gaps between teeth) with feed packing
• Loose, fractured, or infected teeth
• Tooth root infections and abscesses

 These conditions can worsen over time if left untreated and may require corrective dental work.

Signs of Dental Disease to Watch For

You may notice one or more of the following signs if your horse is experiencing dental discomfort:

• Dropping feed while eating ("quidding")
• Slow or uneven chewing
• Weight loss or poor condition despite adequate feed
• Bad breath
• Head tossing or resistance when ridden
• Difficulty accepting the bit
• Swelling along the jaw or face
• Changes in behaviour or temperament

If you notice any of these signs, a dental examination is recommended.

Equine Dental Examinations at Vet Cross

A thorough equine dental examination allows us to assess your horse's teeth, gums, and oral structures. Where required, corrective dental work such as floating is performed to smooth sharp edges and improve comfort and function. 

All dental procedures are carried out with your horse's safety and welfare as our top priority, using appropriate handling and veterinary expertise.

Hendra Virus Vaccination Requirement

For the safety of our staff, clients, and horses, Vet Cross performs dental procedures only on horses that are vaccinated against Hendra Virus, in line with current workplace health and safety guidelines.

If you are unsure of your horse's vaccination status or would like more information, please visit our dedicated page below:

Learn more about Hendra Virus vaccination for horses by clicking here.

If your horse is not currently vaccinated, our team can discuss vaccination options with your prior to booking a dental procedure.

How Often Should Horses Have Dental Checks?

As a general guide:

• Young Horses may require more frequent checks as teeth erupt and change
• Adult Horses benefit from annual dental examinations
• Senior Horses often require closer monitoring due to wear, gaps, or loose teeth

Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your horse's age, diet, and dental history.

Book an Equine Dental Appointment

Regular dental care helps keep your horse comfortable, eating well, and performing at their best. Early detection and routine maintenance can prevent more serious problems from developing.

Contact Vet Cross to book an equine dental examination.
Our team is happy to answer any questions about dental care or Hendra Vaccination requirements.