Biomechanical evaluation of the equine masticatory action: calculation of the masticatory forces occurring on the cheek tooth battery.

This study uses a mathematical model to estimate the forces applied to a horse’s teeth during chewing. The model accounts for several unique features of horse dentition and found that these forces increase the farther back in the mouth they are applied, and decrease as the horse ages.

Model Development and Data Collection

• The researchers created a mathematical model to calculate the forces applied to a horse’s teeth during chewing. This model was necessary because the location of these teeth deep within the oral cavity makes direct measurement nearly impossible.
• The model took into account several unique anatomical features of horse dentition: the curve of the jaw (Curve of Spee), the position of the teeth, and the length of the jaw (mandible).
• To determine the parameters for their model, the researchers took lateral X-rays of 24 dead horse heads and 6 skulls.

Findings

• The study found that the forces applied to the teeth during chewing increase the farther back in the mouth they are applied. This is due to the Curve of Spee, the positioning of the teeth, and the length of the mandible.
• The study also found that these forces decrease as the horse ages, due to a reduction in the height of the Curve of Spee in older horses.

Implications

• The researchers suggest that these findings could have important implications for the treatment of equine dental issues, especially in older horses. Knowing the forces applied during chewing could help veterinarians better understand and treat conditions affecting the teeth and surrounding structures.
• This mathematical model could provide a foundation for future studies investigating the biomechanics of equine mastication and its impact on dental health and treatment.