## Overview Dental-related tension is chronic muscle tightness, often in the masseter or temporalis muscles, that results from oral pain caused by sharp enamel points, malocclusions, or other dental disease. Horses may chew on one side, develop asymmetric muscle bulk, or resist the bit. ## What It Indicates Underlying dental discomfort that alters chewing patterns and creates secondary muscle strain. ## Diagnosis Oral examination revealing sharp points or other pathology, plus observation of asymmetric chewing or muscle development. ## Treatment Correction of the dental problem (floating, addressing malocclusions). Muscle tension usually resolves once pain-free chewing is restored. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent after appropriate dental care. ## Prevention Regular dental examinations and floating.
one-sided chewing; asymmetric masseter bulk; head tilting while eating; quidding; bit resistance on one rein
## Overview Dental-related tension is chronic muscle tightness, often in the masseter or temporalis muscles, that results from oral pain caused by sharp enamel points, malocclusions, or other dental disease. Horses may chew on one side, develop asymmetric muscle bulk, or resist the bit. ## What It Indicates Underlying dental discomfort that alters chewing patterns and creates secondary muscle strain. ## Diagnosis Oral examination revealing sharp points or other pathology, plus observation of asymmetric chewing or muscle development. ## Treatment Correction of the dental problem (floating, addressing malocclusions). Muscle tension usually resolves once pain-free chewing is restored. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent after appropriate dental care. ## Prevention Regular dental examinations and floating.
one-sided chewing; asymmetric masseter bulk; head tilting while eating; quidding; bit resistance on one rein