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Equine dentistry

Dental care for horses at the Equine Centre Camden

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Professional horse dentistry and equine dentistry services are an essential part of maintaining your horse’s health, comfort and performance.

The ECC provides evidence based in clinic and on‑farm horse dentistry supported by referral access to our specialist equine hospital.

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Contact us

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(02) 4655 0777

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What is horse dentistry?

Horse dentistry is the assessment, maintenance and treatment of a horse’s teeth and oral structures to ensure effective chewing, comfort, and long‑term health.

Because a horse’s teeth grow continuously throughout life, regular dental care is needed to prevent uneven wear, pain and secondary health issues.

Why regular horse dental care is essential

Routine horse dental care:

  • prevents oral pain and infections
  • improves digestion and nutrient absorption
  • supports performance, behaviour and willingness to work
  • identifies dental disease early, before it becomes complex or costly

Signs your horse may need dental treatment

Subtle signs of dental problems in horses

  • Slow or hesitant eating
  • Dropping partially chewed feed (quidding)
  • Gradual weight loss
  • Changes in behaviour under saddle
  • Reduced acceptance of the bit

Obvious signs of dental issues

  • Facial swelling
  • Bad breath
  • Excessive salivation
  • Resistance to the bit or bridle
  • One‑sided nasal discharge
  • Refusal to eat or marked discomfort

Common dental problems in horses

Horses commonly develop dental abnormalities due to continuous tooth eruption and uneven wear patterns, particularly when grazing behaviour or diet changes.

Uneven tooth wear can create sharp enamel points that rub against the cheeks and tongue, leading to pain, ulcers and difficulty chewing.

Abnormal tooth alignment may reduce chewing efficiency, contributing to digestive issues and uneven further wear.

Infections of the gums and tooth roots can cause chronic pain and may impact your horse's general health if left untreated.

Our horse dentistry services (on-farm and in clinic)

A comprehensive examination of:

  • Teeth and alignment
  • Gums and soft tissues
  • Oral cavity and function

Sedation‑based dental floating smooths sharp enamel points and restores comfortable chewing and normal jaw movement.

Where required, veterinary‑administered sedation is used to ensure a safe, controlled and low‑stress experience for both horse and handler.

Some procedures, such as tooth extractions or treatment of advanced abnormalities, may be performed on farm where appropriate, or referred to our equine hospital for specialist care.

Access to a portable dental crush that can be brought to your property, allowing our team to safely restrain your horse during assessment and procedures. This service is available only at suitable locations. Please contact our team to confirm whether your property is appropriate.

On-farm dentistry benefits

Reduced stress for horses

Dental care provided in a familiar environment reduces anxiety and travel‑associated stress. 

Convenient and time‑efficient care

Ideal for owners managing multiple horses, studs or training operations, allowing assessments and treatments during a single visit.

How often does a horse need dental care?

Most horses require dental examinations every 6–12 months, depending on:

  • Age
  • Diet and grazing patterns
  • Workload and discipline
  • Existing dental conditions

Your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate schedule for your horse.

When to call a vet for horse dentistry

Routine dental check‑ups

Preventative dental care is recommended even when no symptoms are visible, helping identify issues early.

Urgent dental concerns

Contact your veterinarian promptly if your horse experiences:

  • Difficulty eating
  • Facial swelling
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Signs of severe pain or distress

Why choose our veterinary team for horse dentistry?

  • University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden is part of the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science
  • Veterinary‑led horse dentistry and equine dentistry services
  • Modern ambulatory equipment supported by specialist hospital facilities
  • Seamless transition from on‑farm care to hospital referral
  • Trusted by horse owners, trainers and breeders across NSW

Book a horse dentistry appointment

Book a dentistry appointment to support your horse’s oral health and overall wellbeing. Regular dental care assists with comfort, feeding efficiency, and performance. .

Equine dentistry FAQs

Yes. We provide routine horse dentistry and equine dentistry on farm through our ambulatory service. This includes full oral examinations, sedation‑based dental floating and some minor procedures, using modern portable equipment.

Where appropriate, veterinary‑administered sedation is used to ensure the procedure is safe, low‑stress and comfortable for the horse, and safe for handlers and staff.

Most horses should have a dental examination every 6 to 12 months. Young horses, older horses, performance horses and breeding stock may need more frequent dental care.

Our ambulatory equine dentistry service primarily covers properties within approximately 40km of Camden (410 Werombi Road). Some services may be available further afield depending on horse numbers and clinical requirements.

Routine dental examinations, dental floating, assessment of dental abnormalities and some extractions can be performed on farm. If a procedure is complex or requires advanced imaging or surgery, referral to our equine hospital may be recommended.

Hospital care may be required for conditions such as complex tooth extractions, sinus disease, advanced infections or oral surgery. These procedures are performed at our specialist equine hospital at Brownlow Hill.

Yes. We regularly work with stud farms, trainers, racing stables and commercial horse businesses, and can assess and treat multiple horses during a single visit.

The cost of horse dentistry varies depending on the examination, use of sedation and the complexity of treatment. We provide clear information and no‑obligation estimates before undertaking advanced procedures.

If further investigation or treatment is required, we will discuss the findings with you, outline your options, and provide a no‑obligation quote before proceeding.