Equus360

01/04/2025

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01/04/2025

🧠🦷 Mechanoreceptors, Cranial Nerves & the TMJ: How Oral Health Shapes Whole-Horse Biomechanics

When it comes to equine movement, we often start at the feet — but science tells us to start at the skull.

Why? Because inside the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), cheek teeth, incisors, and periodontal ligament, there are thousands of mechanoreceptors—specialized nerve endings that detect:
👉 Pressure
👉 Tooth contact
👉 Tension
👉 Jaw movement

These sensory signals don’t just go to one nerve — they’re processed by a complex network of cranial nerves, especially:
🔹 CN V (Trigeminal) – Facial sensation, mastication
🔹 CN VII (Facial) – Expression, tension around the lips and jaw
🔹 CN IX (Glossopharyngeal) – Swallowing, oral sensitivity
🔹 CN X (Vagus) – Autonomic regulation, gut-brain connection
🔹 CN XI (Accessory) – Neck and shoulder motor control
🔹 CN XII (Hypoglossal) – Tongue movement and posture

📡 These cranial nerves form the neurological bridge between oral function and full-body coordination. They regulate:
✅ Jaw and tongue control
✅ Head–neck–shoulder movement
✅ Postural reflexes
✅ Proprioception and balance
✅ Autonomic nervous system responses

🔍 But when there’s dental malocclusion (uneven incisors, overgrown cheek teeth) or periodontal disease (inflammation of the tissues anchoring the teeth), those mechanoreceptors send altered signals to the brain. This sensory distortion can lead to:
⚠️ TMJ tension and bracing
⚠️ Head tilting, poll tightness
⚠️ Asymmetrical movement
⚠️ Inconsistent rhythm or contact
⚠️ Digestive or behavioral changes

💡 The cranial nerve system doesn’t just control the face — it influences the entire postural and emotional state of the horse.

✨ When we restore oral balance, reduce periodontal inflammation, and support the clarity of cranial nerve signaling, we’re not just helping the mouth — we’re unlocking the horse’s full-body biomechanics.

This is where true transformation happens: through a multidisciplinary approach that connects dentistry, neurology, posture, and movement into one whole-horse picture. 💡🧠🐴

📚
1. Kunz et al. (2023) – TMJ biomechanics & occlusal dynamics
2. Cordes et al. (2012) – Periodontal ligament loading in chewing
3. D**g et al. (1993) – Periodontal mechanoreceptor response
4. Shoemaker (2001) – Dental-neurological biomechanics
5. Pöschke et al. (2017) – Gene expression in equine PDL
6. Gellman (2010) – The jaw’s role in posture
7. Staszyk et al. (2006) – Collagen structure of the PDL
8. Tanaka & Koolstra (2008) – TMJ function and cranial integration
9. Szulakowski et al. (2019) – Imaging healthy cheek teeth
10. Physio-Pedia – Anatomy and role of the cranial nerves

🧩 The mouth isn’t separate from the body — it informs and regulates it.

🔗 Join us at our next Whole Horse Workshop at Treworgan Farm to explore how structure influences function: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-horse-owners-guide-to-functional-anatomy-biomechanics-and-wellbeing-tickets-1303853142849?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

28/03/2025

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-horse-owners-guide-to-functional-anatomy-biomechanics-and-wellbeing-tickets-1303853142849?aff=oddtdtcreator

📣 Next Steps in Equine Anatomy!
This upcoming workshop is a follow-on from our Introduction to Equine Anatomy course, where we explored the axial and
appendicular skeleton.

🦴 Now, we’re diving deeper into the muscles, tendons, and tooth eruption, with insights into aging, environment, and biomechanical function.

🐎💡
Perfect for horse owners ready to take their knowledge to the next level and truly understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

Learn how to better care for your horse by understanding their anatomy, movement, and overall wellbeing in this interactive workshop!

27/03/2025

Incisor dentition misalignment and proprioception.

🦷💪 Did you know your front teeth help you stay balanced?

Your incisors and canines aren’t just for biting — they’re packed with mechanoreceptors that send critical signals to your brainstem, helping regulate posture and balance.

But here’s the kicker: when your bite is off — especially your incisor contact — it can disrupt this sensorimotor feedback. The result? Reduced coordination and stability.

🧠 For athletes in gymnastics, martial arts, sprinting, or any sport demanding precision and control, even minor dental misalignments could impact performance.

📚 Gangloff et al. (2000) found that dental occlusion significantly modifies postural control.
Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11036196/



The pony below has a ventral smile and is only 8 yrs old. Maybe not clinically relevant, but does this have bio-mechanical implications? Human research suggests….

27/03/2025

🦷💪 Did you know your front teeth help you stay balanced?

Your incisors and canines aren’t just for biting — they’re packed with mechanoreceptors that send critical signals to your brainstem, helping regulate posture and balance.

But here’s the kicker: when your bite is off — especially your incisor contact — it can disrupt this sensorimotor feedback. The result? Reduced coordination and stability.

🧠 For athletes in gymnastics, martial arts, sprinting, or any sport demanding precision and control, even minor dental misalignments could impact performance.

📚 Gangloff et al. (2000) found that dental occlusion significantly modifies postural control.
Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11036196/



The pony below has a ventral smile and is only 8 yrs old. Maybe not clinically relevant, but does this have bio-mechanical implications? Human research suggests….

27/03/2025

📣 We’re back!
After the success of our first Introduction to Anatomy & Biomechanics workshop, we’re excited to be heading to Severnvale Equestrian Centre for the next round!

Join us for a full interactive day of learning skeletal anatomy, movement and practical insights into how your horse’s body works — from hoof to head.

🎟️ Tickets available now! see Below
We’d love to see you there!

Come join us for a fun and informative one-day workshop where you'll begin to learn all about equine anatomy and biomechanics.

27/03/2025

New Research Highlights Possible Link Between Dental Disease and Gastric Ulcers in Horses

Poor dental health may impact more than just a horse’s ability to chew—it could influence their entire digestive health. Researchers recently explored a possible connection between dental disease and equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), a common and painful condition in horses.

The hypothesis? Dental issues reduce chewing efficiency, decreasing saliva production. Since saliva helps buffer stomach acid, less chewing may lead to more acidic gastric juices—contributing to ulcer formation. Horses with dental pain may also avoid long-stem forage, eliminating the protective “mat” that normally shields the stomach lining from acid splash.

In a study of 54 horses showing signs of gastric discomfort (e.g., weight loss, poor appetite, colic, girthiness), gastroscopy revealed:
• 56% had moderate-to-severe squamous ulcers
• 17% had significant glandular ulcers
• 13% had both types of ulcers
• 48% had moderate-to-severe dental abnormalities

While a direct link wasn’t confirmed, researchers emphasize that oral and gastric exams should be standard in horses with chronic digestive symptoms.

“Daily digestive buffers and regular dental care are key tools in supporting gastric health—especially in horses with dental challenges or those fed primarily processed forages,” said Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., of Kentucky Equine Research.

Takeaway: Routine dental exams are more than just maintenance—they may be essential for preventing digestive disorders that impact equine health, behavior, and performance.

19/03/2025

🔎 Same age, same care, same high-level careers… but a different story in their mouths!

Two horses, aged 18 and 20, both receiving regular dental care from qualified professionals. Yet, when assessing their incisor dentition, one horse clearly had an easier time coordinating the biomechanics of the mandible than the other.

This highlights why we must look beyond just routine dental work—understanding the whole mouth and its function is essential for equine welfare and performance. 🐴💡

18/03/2025

A simple check of the incisor and canine dentition on a horse that had a dental checkup the previous week by a qualified dental care provider, it is possible the trauma to the 404 (canine) was post dental checkup.

10/03/2025

🦷 Hoof & Teeth Connection: What Science Says About Equine Development 🐴

Ever wondered if a horse’s teeth and hooves develop in sync? While they may seem unrelated, scientific evidence suggests they share common growth patterns, nutritional needs, and biomechanical influences. Here’s what you need to know!

1️⃣ Growth & Maturity: Teeth & Hooves Develop Together
• A foal’s baby teeth (deciduous incisors) start erupting at birth, while soft foal hooves adapt to weight-bearing.
• By 5 years, the horse has a full set of permanent teeth and a fully developed hoof capsule – both marking the transition into adulthood.

2️⃣ Nutrition: Fuel for Teeth & Hooves
• Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper are vital for strong enamel & hoof wall integrity (Pagan, 2001).
• Poor nutrition? Expect weak enamel, abnormal wear, brittle hooves, & slow growth (NRC, 2007).

3️⃣ Biomechanics: How Hooves Affect the Jaw
• A horse with poor hoof balance (e.g., long toes, underrun heels) may alter its posture, which can impact jaw alignment & chewing motion (Clayton et al., 2010).
• Uneven teeth? That can lead to poor nutrient absorption, affecting hoof quality & overall health (Allen et al., 2013).

4️⃣ Common Growth Disorders: Teeth & Hooves Reflect Health
• Developmental orthopedic issues (like osteochondrosis) can lead to jaw misalignments & hoof imbalances (McIlwraith et al., 2012).
• Malocclusions (parrot mouth, sow mouth) are often seen alongside hoof growth irregularities, due to changes in weight-bearing & movement patterns (Dixon et al., 2014).

🔬 What This Means for Horse Owners

✅ Balanced nutrition = Strong teeth & healthy hooves
✅ Regular farrier & dental care = Prevents imbalances & long-term issues
✅ Watch for changes in chewing or movement = Early signs of trouble

By keeping an eye on both teeth & hooves, you’re ensuring your horse grows up sound, strong, & healthy! 🦷🐴
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05/03/2025

TriDent Equine Dental Education is an independent training organisation established in 2011 & based in the UK. Running courses in South Yorkshire

03/03/2025

Unlock the mystery of equine hoof metrics with Dr. Tracy Turner’s expert science based knowledge and insight.

24/02/2025

We are our horses advocates and influencers.. it starts at the beginning .