Longitudinal study on a rehabilitative model for correction of atypical swallowing

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.