Musculus buccinator
The buccinator forms the muscular wall of the cheek. In the horse it has a well-developed buccal (superficial, penniform) portion and a deeper molar portion. It originates from the alveolar borders of the maxilla and mandible opposite the cheek teeth and from associated fascia/raphe, and inserts by blending into the orbicularis oris at the angle of the mouth. Its primary action is to compress the cheek against the teeth, returning food from the vestibule onto the grinding surface of the cheek teeth and preventing accumulation of forage. It is essential for efficient mastication of fibrous feeds. Clinically, facial-nerve paralysis can impair buccinator function, leading to food packing in the cheek. Trauma or masseter-region problems may secondarily affect it.
Origin: Alveolar borders of the maxilla and mandible
Insertion: Blends into orbicularis oris at the angle of the mouth
Action: Compresses cheek against teeth; repositions food onto grinding surface
Innervation: Ventral buccal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Facial nerve (CN VII) lesions affect this muscle. Part of the oral examination includes checking for buccal food packing.
## Overview Cheek ulceration from sharp teeth occurs when enamel points on the buccal (cheek-side) edges of the upper cheek teeth lacerate the adjacent mucosa. It is one of the most common oral findi
## Overview Buccal food packing is the accumulation of partially chewed feed between the cheek and the cheek teeth. It most often results from diastemata (abnormal gaps between teeth), reduced cheek
Food packing in the cheeks, especially on one side, or drooling while eating may indicate a dental or nerve problem; have the teeth and facial nerve checked.
## Overview Cheek ulceration from sharp teeth occurs when enamel points on the buccal (cheek-side) edges of the upper cheek teeth lacerate the adjacent mucosa. It is one of the most common oral findings in domestic horses and can cause discomfort, quidding, bit resistance, and reduced performance, especially in ridden horses. ## Causes Continuous eruption of the teeth combined with reduced lateral excursion during chewing allows sharp points to form. The anisognathic jaw relationship predisposes the upper teeth to buccal points. ## Diagnosis Oral examination with a full-mouth speculum and light reveals the ulcers opposite sharp enamel points. The height and location of the points are recorded. ## Treatment Reduction (floating) of the sharp points removes the cause. Ulcers heal within days to a couple of weeks once the trauma stops. Severe or infected ulcers may need additional care. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent once the points are addressed and regular dental maintenance is established. ## Prevention Routine dental examinations and floating every 6 to 12 months, adjusted to the individual horse. Signs include: oral ulcers opposite upper cheek teeth; quidding; bit resistance; slow eating; foul odor in severe cases
## Overview Buccal food packing is the accumulation of partially chewed feed between the cheek and the cheek teeth. It most often results from diastemata (abnormal gaps between teeth), reduced cheek tone, sharp enamel points, or painful dental disease that prevents normal mastication. Trapped feed ferments, produces foul odor, and leads to painful periodontal pockets and oral ulceration. ## Causes Diastemata, displaced or rotated cheek teeth, wave mouth, and sharp points are the primary dental causes. Neurologic reduction in buccinator muscle tone can also allow food to pack. Pain from any oral lesion discourages normal chewing and worsens the cycle. ## Diagnosis Oral examination under sedation reveals packed feed, gingival recession, and periodontal pockets. Dental mirrors, picks, and sometimes radiographs or computed tomography characterize the gaps and any associated bone loss. ## Treatment Remove packed feed, widen or smooth diastemata (odontoplasty), reduce sharp points, and treat periodontal infection. Dietary modification to softer feeds reduces further packing while tissues heal. In selected cases packing materials or bridging may be used, although evidence for long-term benefit is still evolving. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis is good when the underlying dental abnormality can be corrected and the owner maintains regular floating and oral hygiene. Advanced periodontal bone loss carries a more guarded outlook for the affected teeth. ## Prevention Regular dental examinations and timely correction of diastemata or overgrowths prevent most cases. Signs include: cheek bulging after eating; feed falling from the mouth; foul oral odor; packed feed visible on oral exam; quidding or slow eating
Facial nerve (CN VII) lesions affect this muscle. Part of the oral examination includes checking for buccal food packing.
Food packing in the cheeks, especially on one side, or drooling while eating may indicate a dental or nerve problem; have the teeth and facial nerve checked.
See the Buccinator on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model