This test, painless and non-invasive, allows - through the use of special machinery - to obtain information regarding both the workload of the muscles of the masticatory apparatus and the movements carried out by the jaw during swallowing. The examination, in fact, requires the patient to perform various movements of opening and closing the mouth, rubbing and swallowing a liquid following the instructions given by the specialist who performs the diagnostic test in question.
From the processing of the data collected by the instruments used to perform the test it is possible to obtain polygraphic traces from which the doctor can then confirm or not the presence of atypical swallowing, thus elaborating a diagnosis.
and then of the definitive dentition, the intake of foods with different consistencies, and so on.
More in detail, first there is a basic form of swallowing during the fetal and neonatal period which, slowly, evolves until reaching the so-called adult swallowing. The latter, in turn, will undergo modifications as one approaches the old age; in fact, swallowing in the elderly is different from that of the young adult.
When during the evolution of the swallowing process there are alterations capable of modifying the aforementioned functionality, it is possible to undergo the development of atypical swallowing.
Characteristics of Atypical Swallowing
In the presence of atypical swallowing, the tongue makes incorrect movements, the chewing muscles do not contract as they should and the transit times of food inside the mouth are longer than normal.
Going into a little more detail, the chewing of those who have atypical swallowing can be slow or too fast, while the tongue - during the act of swallowing - can be either pushed against the teeth, or placed between the two arches dental. In some cases of atypical swallowing, even the cheeks and not only the tongue may find themselves interposed between the two dental arches which, therefore, cannot close completely.
Furthermore, in those who show atypical swallowing and especially in children, it is possible that, in conditions of rest, the tongue is kept down or even out of the mouth.
Causes of Atypical Swallowing
The atypical swallowing does not see a single cause in its onset, but several factors that can contribute to giving rise to the problem. The different factors triggering the disorder, on the other hand, can be very varied and vary from individual to individual.
Among these, we remember:
- Hereditary factors;
- Eating habits (affect from early childhood);
- Wrong habits acquired over time (for example, sucking your thumb or other objects, such as pencils, pens, etc., using the pacifier for long periods, biting your nails, etc.);
- Presence of certain types of diseases or disorders (for example, respiratory problems, tonsil problems, adenoid disorders, ear infections, allergies, etc.).
Lump in the throat - Causes and Symptoms See other articles Tags Swallowing - Sore throat
