Longitudinal study on a rehabilitative model for correction of atypical swallowing.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to analyse the prevalence of anomalous function of the orofacial muscles and their aetiological factors in a small sample of paediatric patients, to evaluate the correlation between anomalous functions of the orofacial muscles and malocclusions, and finally to verify the effects of a myofunctional protocol, composed of a series of exercises aimed at correcting the anomalous function and position of the tongue.


METHODS
The protocol that has been used in this research is a re-elaboration of the diagnostic and therapeutic methods set by two authors, Daniel Garliner and Aurelio Levrini. A group of 57 children (aged 5 to 13, mean age 8.2) with atypical swallowing diagnosis, has been treated for almost 3 years.


RESULTS
Physiologic swallowing was achieved in 47% of the children treated.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show the benefits of the myofunctional therapy in the treatment of children with abnormal swallowing.
Giuca
M R
MR
Department of Surgery, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Pisa, Italy. m.giuca@odont.med.unipi.it
Pasini
M
M
Pagano
A
A
Mummolo
S
S
Vanni
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003679:Deglutition; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000150:complications*; D020247:Myofunctional Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D014059:Tongue / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome