The Development of Oral Functions in Children: A Clinical Study of Stomatognathic Dysfunction

Abstract

In most countries that have reached an aging society, the feeding function among the elderly population has declined and become a serious problem. Therefore, understanding the development of human oral function is required to address this problem. However, only a few research studies have reported oral motor functions and dysfunctions in children. Our chapter describes the relationship between oral motor functions (chewing, swallowing, and breathing) and maxillofacial morphology in children. In addition, case studies on children with cerebral palsy and sleep aspiration disorders will also be introduced. This study would also like to clarify the significance of human oral function development from infancy in pediatric dentistry.