Neuromuscular Based Equine Dentist
a progressive whole horse dental practice
Neuromuscular Based Equine Dentist
a progressive whole horse dental practice
Everything that restricts motion in the jaw, restricts motion in the entire body
There are close direct connections as well as indirect connections between the different structures and systems of the body. What happens in the mouth is influence to superficial and deep myofascial connections within the equine body including the digestive system and organs, the nervous system and the musculoskeletal systems, understanding this can help us to more effectively rehabilitate the whole horse.
“My herd has been calmer and happier!” Jenifer Harwell
WHAT IS NEUROMUSCULAR HORSE DENTISTRY™
Everything that restricts motion in the jaw, restricts motion in the entire body.
Teeth and stomatognathic system are an integral part of the vestibular proprioceptive balancing mechanism. The nervous system and the righting reflexes are highly dependent on sensory information from dental occlusion.
Think about that and all the implications of correct dental occlusion and the horizon for the state of the nervous system and balance.
If the teeth are not in balance to the individual, the TMJ becomes compromised, and compensations in the body begins. When the horses teeth are not in anatomical correct alignment: nerve impulses and transmission of messages to multiple acupuncture points in the body are restricted. These impulses and messages affect for example organ function, the sensory apparatus and proprioception. Thus, anything that restricts motion in the mouth, restricts motion in the entire body.
For the past years, traditional equine dentistry focused primarily on the theory that eliminating points on molars was necessary to enable a horse to eat better. However, research conducted by Spencer LaFlure, founder of the NBD school, actually found a different approach to be true--that horses need proper inclination on their teeth for correct anterior, posterior and lateral motion of mastication.
Neuromuscular based horse dentistry™, is dedicated to realigning the jaw with ergonomically correct hand-held instruments designed and patented by LaFlure to achieve optimal neuromuscular, proprioceptive and physical function in a horse’s whole body. These precision instruments are more effective for the practitioner and the horse, and also minimize soft tissue damage and discomfort after dentistry. Starting with the incisors, it provides guidance and stability to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), followed by adjustments to the molar table surface to provide anatomically correct inclination. By adjusting the inclination of a horse's dentition, the horse gains a complete and natural movement of its jaw*.
This balances the TMJ and maximizes surface-to-surface contact between teeth, allowing the horse to maintain or regain its full, natural bodily function.
The balance of the jaw impacts the horse, his health and soundness, alignment sees improvement in the horses movement, hoof balance, behavior, metabolism and muscle development.
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Whole Horse Perspectives
ABOUT ANNA
Combining gentleness, ethical standards, and evidence-based approaches with an intuitive understanding, is at the heart of my work.
Teeth, hooves, nutrition, and habitat are important pillars of equine health, and we know pathology does not come back when horses are managed in ways respectful of their natural abilities and emotional needs.
Based on this understanding over the course of a life time I have pursued education in the pillars of equine well being learning about world renowned approaches to hoof care, nutrition, equine ethology and mindfulness to help domestic horses heal from unethical practices and live their best life.
While working with horses, mules, donkeys and their people in Italy, Hawaii and Arizona, I quickly realized that considering the whole horse is crucial no matter if the problem we see is in the hoof, the gut, the mind or in the body. Nothing in the body works alone or can function alone, and a lot begins in the mouth.
Currently enrolled in Spencer La Flure’s school of Neuromuscular Horse Dentistryhttp://www.neuromuscularhorsedentistry.com
at a current level 6 I have attended and successfully completed all six levels at the NBD school and I am working on certification.
As an NBD we are not just trained to work on teeth, but to consider the whole horse, and work with the horse not ‘on the horse‘. Lots of horses present mouth anxiety from previously having their arcades flattened and smoothed, from pain, sensitivity, or bad experiences, for this reason maintaining a calm demeanor and communicating with the horse through instrument placement and timing is a key part of this work. Horses are very aware of our intentions, being aware of this ourselves helps build a trusting and cooperative experience.
Working alongside veterinarians and other professionals involved in the care of the horse is part of caring. “A circle of influence“ with like minded professionals working together is a powerful asset for a horse.
In 2019 I also certified as Trust Technique Practitioner. My dedication to using, and teaching mindfulness practices for nervous system co-regulation is an essential part of this work, as well as teaching horse owners about ethical practices to enhance their horses emotional and physical well being. This includes ethical herd management, herd dynamics, herd integrations, via principles of equine ethology.
Optimizing a holistic approach all around is essential to keep happy & healthy horses head to toe.
In 2021 with my husband we founded a non-profit and have worked for the rehabilitation and rehoming of equines by providing a “wild horse” environment, and achieved heartwarming results with highly traumatized and neglected animals.
I no longer follow one hoof care model, but blend world recognized methods with an equine-led approach, prioritizing comfort to each unique individual.
I am also graduate of Windward Community College- University of Hawaii in Psycho Social Developmental Studies and a former life coach for the state of Hawaii. Certified holistic equine nutritionist with Holistic Animal Studies and continuing my education in holistic nutrition to provide the best guidance and resources to clients, particularly those with endocrine challenged horses.
Continued Education
Currently working on my equine dentistry certification, I am committed to a never ending learning journey, refining my skills by staying current on classes and seminars, so that my clients and their horses can receive the best work. You may request my NBD card to verify my current status within the program.
Field work along side teachers, staying up to date with aligned methods and scientific research is a priority, as well as learning from every horse I meet and work with.
A big part of this work is also educating clients. I believe that a knowledgable owner is a horse’s best life insurance. Its my priority to leave every care taker educated, and empowered, and in a listening state with their animal, confident to make sensible decisions, that are ethical for them and the animals in their care. The horse will always be the best judge of our work.
