Horse Dentistry/ Natural Balance

Horse's teeth are an important part of the rest of the horse's body. Dental imbalances can create all sorts of body issues for the horse including altered gaits and pain which could lead to issues such as clubfoot or other hoof pathologies.


http://www.advancedwholehorsedentistry. ... /research/

http://www.balancedhorsedentistry.com/n ... lance.html

http://www.drkerryridgway.com/articles.php

Oral Bio Mechanics -Minor imbalances in the mouth transmit through the spinal and skeletal system , creating imbalance somewhere else as the body tries to compensate, and create a pseudo balance. These erroneous “corrections” result in muscles being strained, joints over stressed, are major factors in dysfunction and pain. To restore proper oral bio mechanics, equine dentists practicing natural balance dentistry focus on realignments to remove oral interferences thus allowing for the fluid motion and optimal function. This results in the proper transmission and reception of neurological signals to the horse's body.

I am a believer of this and it is one consideration of why I have the number of horses I do.  It is an important factor to include in the cost of owning a horse; whether you can afford the dental work needed.  It is an often overlooked expense, and many people seem to view it as an extra rather than as a necessary part of horse care.

There are a couple of horses in my barn that have nicely aligned teeth due to their genetics and probably the balance of the rest of their body.  The vet says they only need dental work every two or three years.  

By the end of 12 months each of my horses are beginning to develop sharp points that will soon ulcerate their cheeks and one of mine tends toward "wave mouth."  I've known Arabs to have particular issues as well as miniature horses...possibly due to being bred for small heads.

Wave Mouth:

Hooks and Points:

Dentistery is another aspect I'd like fro study more... It is as difficult (if not more difficult) to find a good dentist or horses... Until now I just can trust what the other say about the reputation of one or the other dentist. And as we all now...this is not enough to be sure....
Affect on joint and muscles: I already heard it... Another cause of tension is also due to the act properly. When the horse has the dentist, it is often tight afterwards in the TMJ and this has to be relaxed after the dentist has come....

Lots of thinks to learn....won't be enough in one life!