Cheek Teeth Abrasions Created with Contact between the Lateral Edges of the Molars and the Adjacent Buccal Mucosa in Equids: A Potential Association with Palatal Instability and Intermittent Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate

Cheek teeth abrasions had been recognised as one of the most common traumas associated with dental structures in horses. It had been widely accepted that these abrasions were in the main a consequence of overly sharp lateral edges on the molars or cheek teeth. An association between the degree of sharpness and the severity of this trauma had been demonstrated. There had been however, an inability to directly associate the presence of this trauma with the incidence of these sharp edges. These abrasions had also been commonly noted in horses presenting with symptoms of palatal instability with or without progression to dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Observations, post upper airways surgery (palatoplastys) revealed a marked decrease in the incidence and or severity of these lesions. The possibility that in certain situations an association between the presence of cheek teeth abrasions and certain upper airways conditions could exist is discussed. Keywords: Mouth breathing, buccal cavity, horse, dentistry, floating, cheek teeth. Read more →