Wave Mouth
Wave mouth describes an abnormal pattern of wear of the occlusal surface of molars.
Wave mouth is caused by the repeated movement of the jaw in an _____________ and uneven manner. Abnormal mastication applies uneven pressure on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. The teeth wear away more rapidly in areas subjected to _____________ pressure, and more slowly in areas under less pressure, causing a wave-pattern along the occlusal border. _____________ horses are more prone to developing wave mouth as some of the molars may be worn completely away, and they are more likely to have developed temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which is known to affect chewing patterns. Wave mouth is seen clinically as an undulating pattern of the occlusal surfaces of the molars, which is best viewed laterally. The horse may also leave food behind, quid, and loose weight. Reluctance when being bridled or resentment of bit pressure may also be noted. Most horses resist ventral flexion of the occipitoatlantal joint as this motion requires the mandible to slide ________________, causing the wear patterns to misalign. Diagnosis of wave mouth can be made through observation of the clinical signs and symptoms, examination of the occlusal surfaces of the cheek teeth, and palpation of the occlusal surfaces. Treatment of wave mouth involves frequent dental care and the modification of the horse’s diet to softer, more easily masticated feeds.
Step Mouth
Step mouth describes an abnormal pattern of wear of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth that is caused by ____________ or broken teeth. When a tooth, or multiple teeth, is abnormally shortened/lost, the opposing tooth lacks _____________ . This allows the normal, opposing tooth to grow ___________ than the neighbouring teeth as it lacks the wear normally caused by normal occlusion. The result is a step- like appearance of the occlusal border of the teeth, which may hinder lateral or rostral movement of the mandible.
Horses that _____________ or chew wood are at higher risk of breaking or loosing teeth.
Step mouth is seen clinically as abrupt changes in length of neighbouring teeth. Missing or broken teeth may also be visible. Abnormal mastication, quidding and the leaving behind of food may also indicate step mouth. Some individuals may be reluctant to be bridled, be resistant to bit pressure or resist lateral or ventral flexion of the head and neck.
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