Treat Atypical Swallowing
Orthodontic treatment for children can begin as early as age 7.
Montreal orthodontist Dr. Nguyen and her team care about their young patients’ dental health in their clinic beside the Mount Royal.
Atypical swallowing, sometimes referred to as infantile swallowing, is a functional disorder in which the muscles of the tongue and mouth do not coordinate properly to swallow. This in turn leads to tongue positioning problems and can affect the development of the dental arch and palate, and dental occlusion. At Orthodontie CDN in Montreal, Dr. Tram-Anh Nguyen offers orthodontic treatments to address swallowing issues and promote healthy oral function.
Understanding atypical swallowing
Swallowing is a complex process involving coordination of the muscles of the tongue, lips, palate and jaw. During atypical swallowing, the tongue pushes against the front teeth instead of making contact with the palate, which can lead to misaligned teeth or malocclusion. The normal infantile swallowing reflex normally disappears with growth, but in some cases it persists, creating imbalances in tooth and mouth structure. This problem is more common in children, but can persist into adulthood if left untreated.
The causes of atypical swallowing are varied. It can be linked to prolonged habits such as thumb sucking or pacifier use, chronic mouth breathing, or abnormal tooth eruption. In some cases, the presence of incorrectly positioned teeth or a lack of space due to a narrow palate can exacerbate the problem. Early intervention is key to avoiding long-term complications, particularly with occlusion and jaw development.
Atypical swallowing: effects on oral health
Atypical swallowing can lead to a variety of dental problems, including shifting teeth, a space between the upper and lower teeth, or a crossbite. The incorrect position of the tongue during the resting phase or when chewing puts pressure on the teeth and jaws, which can affect dental alignment. This constant pressure can also affect the development of the palate, leading to malocclusions that require orthodontic treatment.
Atypical swallowing can also influence breathing and posture. Some patients can develop mouth-breathing habits, which in turn can alter facial growth and jaw position. In more complex cases, respiratory disorders such as sleep apnea can also be aggravated by incorrect swallowing.
Give your child a beautiful smile
An initial check-up and follow-up exam at Orthodontie
Côte-des-Neiges can build your child’s self-confidence and reduce the risk of need more extensive treatment as they grow older.
Treatment options for atypical swallowing
Ignoring atypical swallowing can lead to serious long-term complications. The persistence of this disorder can compromise the proper alignment of teeth, cause malocclusions that are difficult to correct in adulthood, and lead to respiratory problems. By treating atypical swallowing early on, the need for more invasive orthodontic treatments like surgery can be avoided.
At Orthodontie CDN, Dr. Tram-Anh Nguyen makes sure that each patient receives comprehensive, personalized care to correct this functional disorder. Our solutions are designed to improve not only smile aesthetics, but also long-term oral health.
Schedule an appointment with our clinic
If you suspect an atypical swallowing problem in your child or yourself, we invite you to make an appointment with CDN Orthodontics in Montreal. Dr. Tram-Anh Nguyen offers customized solutions to correct this disorder and restore excellent oral function. Contact us today for a consultation and discover how our treatments can transform your dental health and overall well-being!