title: Longitudinal study on a rehabilitative model for correction of atypical swallowing.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Pisa, Italy. m.giuca@odont.med.unipi.it
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Giuca
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pasini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pagano
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mummolo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vanni
mesh_terms: 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