Effect of the suction-swallowing action on orofacial development and growth

Abstract

Introduction,- All the functions that take place in the oral cavity (sucking, swallowing. rnastication and phonation), not only play an important role in stimulating orofacial development and growth but may also alter such growth and affect occiusal development.

 Purpose.- The purpose of this research work vas to show the occlusal characteristics of children in the City of Córdoba, Argentina, in relation to their social background. This paper also airned to show the favorable effect of breastfeeding as a moderator of the hiopsychoaffective profile of children, which allows an excellent maxillo-facial growth and favors neuromuscular balance. This work also consideren dysfunctional oral habits as predisposing factors which may alter orofacial growth and development, by identifying favorable and unfavorable conditions for occiusal development.

Material and methods.- The sample included 290 hoys and giris aged 5. who belonged to a cohort of CLACYD Study. Statistical data were analyzed using SPSS/ PC 4.0

 Results.- 55,2% of the whole group had normal occlusion. No statistically significant differences wer found in relation to social strata (high-middle and low). Regarding malocclusions, the prevalence of overhiting (20,9%) was observed.

Conclusion.- A higher percentage of children with normal occiusiori was found in the group who had heen breastfcd. Overhiting was the major type of malocclusion in breastfecl children (25.3 %). while lateral crossbiting prevailed in those fed with hottle (16.9%). As for clysfunctional oral hahits, the highest percentage found was related lo lingual interposition associated lo open biting, presented by children who had been bottle-fecl. The data were statistically significant