08/17/2025
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ฅ-๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฆ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ
When it comes to equine dentistry, the tools we use donโt just affect the teethโthey affect the whole horse. One area that is often overlooked is the cranial-sacral system, the intricate network of bones, membranes, and fluids that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Why does this matter?
The horseโs skull is not one solid pieceโit is made up of multiple bones connected by sutures. These sutures allow for micro-movements essential to cranial-sacral rhythm and fluid exchange. The cranial nerves (including those governing chewing, swallowing, balance, and even autonomic functions like heart rate and digestion) exit through delicate openings in this region. Any trauma or excessive vibration in this area can have far-reaching consequences.
The problem with power tools
While power tools may be marketed as faster and more efficient for floating teeth, they also create:
Excessive vibration: Studies in humans show that dental power tools produce significant vibrations that are transmitted to cranial bones and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (Khatri et al., 2019). These vibrations are not isolatedโthey reverberate through the skull, affecting sutural mobility and cranial-sacral rhythm.
Heat damage: Research in human dentistry has shown that motorized dental instruments can generate temperatures high enough to cause pulp and bone damage if not carefully managed (Eriksson & Albrektsson, 1983). In horses, where the tool use can be longer and less refined, the risk multiplies.
Neurological strain: The cranial nerves (IX, X, XI, XII) exit near the occipital and temporal bones. Vibration or mechanical stress in these regions can contribute to dysfunction in swallowing, tongue mobility, balance, and vagal nerve function (Standring, Grayโs Anatomy, 41st ed.).
Cranial-sacral disruption: In both humans and animals, cranial-sacral practitioners observe that mechanical dental interventions can create restrictions in cranial bone motion, leading to compensations in posture, spinal tension, and overall nervous system regulation (Upledger & Vredevoogd, 1983).
Whole-horse implications
Because the cranial-sacral system is directly linked to the spinal cord and sacrum, disruptions here donโt stay โin the head.โ They can contribute to issues such as:
Head-shaking or head-tossing behaviors
Difficulties with balance and collection under saddle
Unexplained lameness or postural asymmetries
Stress responses tied to vagal nerve irritation
Conclusion
Equine dentistry is not just about teethโitโs about respecting the delicate balance of the cranial-sacral system. Hand tools allow for precision without excessive vibration, heat, or force. Power tools, while efficient, can compromise not only oral health but the horseโs whole-body health and performance.
References
Eriksson, A. R., & Albrektsson, T. (1983). Temperature threshold levels for heat-induced bone tissue injury: a vital-microscopic study in the rabbit. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 50(1), 101โ107.
Khatri, A., Kalra, N., Tyagi, R., Khatri, P., & Srivastava, S. (2019). Comparison of pain, anxiety, and hemodynamic response to dental treatment using rotary and manual instruments in children. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 43(2), 83โ87.
Standring, S. (2015). Grayโs Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st Edition. Elsevier.
Upledger, J., & Vredevoogd, J. (1983). Craniosacral Therapy. Eastland Press.
Picture credit: Shelley Paulson
