Equine Natural Balance Dentistry
NO power tools. NO head stands. NO heavy sedation.
What is Equine Natural Balance Dentistry?
Natural Balance Dentistry is a unique approach to equine dentistry by effectively supporting the entire body system. In traditional equine dental theory, there is a short-sightedness of seeing the full picture. Traditional dentistry focuses on treating the mouth primarily and affecting the GI tract secondarily-- that's essentially where it begins and ends. Natural Balance Dentistry knows that only 20% of dentistry is related to the mouth and GI tract; the remaining 80% has to do with neurology, biomechanics, internal organ and musculoskeletal function of the entire body system.
Natural Balance Dentistry understands that each tooth has an important role in the body as it is connected to acupuncture meridians that govern different internal organs, muscles, vertebral segments, sensory organs and more. Balancing the incisors, molars and TMJ helps keep this full picture intact, in harmony and the horse at full capacity for optimal performance. It minimizes colic, lameness, ruptured tendons and ligaments, strained muscles, chiropractic issues that won't hold after adjustments, postural abnormalities, lead change difficulties, leaning or pulling on one side, internal organ insufficiencies and the list goes on.
Natural Balance Dentistry is a unique approach to equine dentistry by effectively supporting the entire body system. In traditional equine dental theory, there is a short-sightedness of seeing the full picture. Traditional dentistry focuses on treating the mouth primarily and affecting the GI tract secondarily-- that's essentially where it begins and ends. Natural Balance Dentistry knows that only 20% of dentistry is related to the mouth and GI tract; the remaining 80% has to do with neurology, biomechanics, internal organ and musculoskeletal function of the entire body system.
Natural Balance Dentistry understands that each tooth has an important role in the body as it is connected to acupuncture meridians that govern different internal organs, muscles, vertebral segments, sensory organs and more. Balancing the incisors, molars and TMJ helps keep this full picture intact, in harmony and the horse at full capacity for optimal performance. It minimizes colic, lameness, ruptured tendons and ligaments, strained muscles, chiropractic issues that won't hold after adjustments, postural abnormalities, lead change difficulties, leaning or pulling on one side, internal organ insufficiencies and the list goes on.
Why are the Incisors, Molars & TMJ so important for keeping your horse healthy & happy?
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Incisors are the teeth found in the front of the mouth. They are very important to the horse. Properly balanced incisors at any age should be the same length and angle of a five year old horse. Domestic horses develop abnormal length and angle from lack of natural wear. Improper length and angle of the incisors can cause pressure and rotation of the TMJ (Temporomandibular joint). This causes pain, inability to chew properly, colic, weight loss and can cause lameness among many other issues.
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Molars are found in the back of the mouth. Molars are supposed to be angled properly in the arcades on the mandible and maxilla. Without proper angles the horse will start to chew in an up and down motion. Horses are meant to chew their food in a lateral, or circular rotation. When chewing with improper angles and motion, abnormalities - such as sharp points - are created in the mouth. These abnormalities are sources of pain and discomfort. Simply floating a horse's mouth does not resolve the problem, and can make it worse. The proper angles and correct motion must be restored! This is what helps to prevent the sources of pain and discomfort from coming back! Natural Balance Dentistry seeks to obtain this goal.
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TMJ (Tempormandibular Joint)
There are specific sensory receptors in the body that detect and respond to the posture, position and movement of the horse. These receptors are called proprioceptors. These proprioceptors and nerves run through the TMJ. They affect the horse from nose to tail. If the jaw is off center, it pinches the nerves, shuts off the proprioceptors and short circuits many bodily movements resulting in short strides, not standing square, difficulty in taking leads, imbalance, asymmetrical body structure, muscle atrophy, lameness and the list goes on. It is for that reason Dr. Fenton begins with the incisors. If the incisors are not balanced correctly, balance cannot be achieved in the rest of the mouth or the entire body and the horse will not be able to function at optimal performance.With Natural Balance Dentistry, movement and balance in the horse's body is improved as well as the ability to chew food and digest properly. |
***Please be advised, it is illegal in the state of California for anyone other than a California Licensed Veterinarian to perform any type of dental services on your horse. Please be wise. Put the safety and well-being of your horse only in the hands of a licensed veterinarian who is properly trained.
Dr. Fenton's Published Article
The Holistic Horse Magazine Issue 103 June/July 2016
Case Examples
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Case #1 "Picasso" 4 year old rescue mini pony gelding
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Case #2 "Pegasus" 9 year old rescue mini pony gelding
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Case #3 "Bowie" 19 year old gelding
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More information
The Equine Dental Association of Australia is much farther ahead than the US as far as hand floating vs. power tools and equine dental welfare is concerned. Check out what they are saying via this link below