From oral dysfunction to orthodontic therapy: Infantile swallowing in clinical practice

Infantile swallowing is a common oral dysfunction that may lead to malocclusions and disturbances in jaw growth and development. It is characterized by improper tongue posture during swallowing, which affects the functional involves improper tongue posture during swallowing, which affects the functional and morphological development of the orofacial system. Its etiology is multifactorial and includes genetic, functional, and environmental factors. Early recognition and timely therapeutic intervention are essential for preventing orthodontic anomalies. The aim of this paper is to analyse the etiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostics, and therapeutic options of infantile swallowing based on a review of contemporary literature and to emphasize its clinical relevance. Key words: infantile swallowing, malocclusion ,orthodontics, myofunctional therapy