Horse Dentist Tools

Horses require regular dental care in order to prevent serious health problems and to make eating and performing more comfortable. Without regular maintenance, a horse can contract a dental disease, will stop eating and may develop behavioral problems. Veterinarians and equine dentists use simple tools to help horses maintain healthy teeth and gums.

  1. Tranquilizers

    • Equine dentists always have a supply of tranquilizers on hand to subdue a rambunctious horse. Tranquilizers are not always necessary, but make it safer an easier for a dentist to perform a thorough examination.

    Dental Halter

    • A dental halter consists of a nose band that allows the horse to open its mouth wide enough for the dentist to perform an examination and provide treatment.

    Speculums

    • A Speculum is a metal wedge that is placed between the upper and lower molars of the teeth. These help the dentist prop the horse's teeth apart to allow for a better visual inspection. However, speculums can be dangerous and cause trauma to a horse's teeth. They should never be left open in a horse's mouth for more than 30 minutes.

    Head Support

    • Usually a strap or a specially designed stand is necessary to keep the horse's head elevated at the level required for the dentist to provide treatment.

    Dose Syringe

    • A syringe is used to clean food particles out of a horse's teeth during an examination.

    File/Float

    • A large flat metal file, sometimes called a "float" is used to file down a horse's teeth when they become too sharp. If a horse's teeth are allowed to grow too sharp they can cause pain for a horse when it tries to chew or when a bit is placed in its mouth.