Longitudinal study on a rehabilitative model for correction of atypical swallowing

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

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.

Conclusion

The results show the benefits of the myofunctional therapy in the treatment of
children with abnormal swallowing.

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