Función motora oral del lactante como estímulo de crecimiento craneofacial / Infant Oral Motor Function as a Stimulus for Craniofacial Growth

Abstract

Background: The growth of the craniofacial complex is essential for infant health as it is one of the best predictors of overall growth. Moreover, the facial development depends on stimuli such as suction, breathing, chewing, and swallowing, which induce an adequate facial anatomy and shape face structure. The motor activity is also influenced by the type of feeding that is part of child development. Purpose: To analyze the effects of oral motor function in the proper development of craniofacial structures in children, while considering biological mechanisms and type of feeding. Methods: A critical review of literature was carried out with the aim of analyzing the relationship between biological mechanisms, type of feeding, and infant oral functional processes as mechanisms to stimulate craniofacial growth. Results: An appropriate oral motor function induces optimal craniofacial growth. The type of feeding is a determinant of growth. Breastfeeding is essential for optimal craniofacial growth and the prevention of dentomaxillofacial anomalies. Craniofacial shape and function depend of the balance between bone structure and muscle mechanical load. Conclusion: Breastfeeding is the best way to promote growth and development of craniofacial structures, maturation of infant oral motor function and the incidence decrease of malocclusion indicators. Craniofacial growth depends of a favorable bone and muscle condition.