Resting Tongue Position Research Articles

Observation of factors associated with visceral swallowing pattern in 2–6 year old children: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe association between the visceral swallowing pattern (VSP) and dentofacial abnormalities remains controversial. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between the VSP and various factors including type of birth, gender, tongue posture, lip incompetence, eruption of primary molars, habits and the presence of malocclusions in children with primary and early mixed dentition. Material and methodA total of 219 children (102 boys and 117 girls) were evaluated using a combination of a questionnaire and a structured clinical examination by one pediatric specialist dentist. Kittel’s method of tongue posture evaluation and the Payne technique for assessment of swallowing pattern were included in the clinical examination of myofunctional status. After checking for normality, normal and non-normal distributed data were analyzed using two-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, respectively. Analysis of categorical variables was done using a chi-square test, and Bonferroni correction was used as correction for multiple comparisons. ResultsA total of 56.2 % of the study population had a VSP. The chi-square test indicated a statistically significant higher presence of VSP in male gender. Statistically significant associations were seen between the VSP and lip incompetency, pathologic resting tongue position, habits, anterior open bite and increased overjet. On the other hand, no statistically significant associations were found between VSP and children’s age within the sample population, type of birth, uni- or bilateral crossbites, increased overbite, edge-to-edge anterior bite or completion of eruption of primary molars and/or permanent incisors. ConclusionsThe association between VSP and male gender, pathologic tongue posture, lip incompetency and habits and occlusal traits such as anterior open bite and increased anterior overjet is supported by the results of the present study.

Evaluation of the Resting Tongue Position in Partially Dentate and Completely Edentulous Patients

Background The human tongue plays a critical role in various oral processes and its position can be significantly affected by dental status, particularly in partially dentate and completely edentulous patients. Understanding the relationship between tongue position and dental status is essential for optimal prosthodontic treatment and patient quality of life. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the resting tongue position between partially dentate and completely edentulous patients and to understand how these differences could influence prosthodontic treatment strategies. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro/Hyderabad, from 02-02-2021 to 30-11-2022. The study included 400 patients, divided into partially dentate (200 patients) and completely edentulous (200 patients) groups. Patients were further classified based on gender, age, and Kennedy classification. The tongue position was categorized as normal upper, normal lower, abnormal upper, and abnormal lower. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, with a significance level set at p≤0.05. Results In the partially dentate group, 57% and 63% were males in Group A and B, respectively, while 43% and 37% were females. In the completely edentulous group, males constituted 50% and 43% in Group A and B, respectively, with females making up the remaining percentages. Age-wise, 63% of partially dentate patients in both groups were aged 35-45, compared to 6% and 12.1% in the completely edentulous groups. Kennedy classification showed varying distributions with Class 2 being most prevalent in partially dentate Group B (43%). Tongue position analysis revealed that normal upper position was present in 28% of partially dentate and 16% of completely edentulous patients, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Abnormal upper position was noted in 36% of partially dentate and 38% of completely edentulous patients. Conclusion The study concluded significant differences in tongue positions between partially dentate and completely edentulous patients. These findings underscore the importance of considering tongue position in prosthodontic treatment planning, especially for completely edentulous patients.

Three-dimensional evaluation of the association between tongue position and upper airway morphology in adults: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between low tongue position (LTP) and the volume and dimensions of the nasopharyngeal, retropalatal, retroglossal, and hypopharyngeal segments of the upper airway. A total of 194 subjects, including 91 males and 103 females were divided into a resting tongue position (RTP) group and a LTP group according to their tongue position. Subjects in the LTP group were divided into four subgroups (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) according to the intraoral space volume. The 3D slicer software was used to measure the volume and minimum and average cross-sectional areas of each group. Airway differences between the RTP and LTP groups were analyzed to explore the association between tongue position and the upper airway. No significant differences were found in the airway dimensions between the RTP and LTP groups. For both retropalatal and retroglossal segments, the volume and average cross-sectional area were significantly greater in the patients with extremely low tongue position. Regression analysis showed that the retroglossal airway dimensions were positively correlated with the intraoral space volume and negatively correlated with A point-nasion-B point and palatal plane to mandibular plane. Males generally had larger retroglossal and hypopharyngeal airways than females. Tongue position did not significantly influence upper airway volume or dimensions, except in the extremely LTP subgroup.

The relationship between morphological changes and oral function before and after slow palate expansion

ABSTRACT Purpose Recent reports indicate that Japanese children have narrow dental arches with weakening oral functions. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between palatal morphology and oral function after expansion treatment with a slow, removable expansion appliance. Materials and Methods We evaluated changes in the deep, middle, and shallow palatal widths of 22 children with narrow dental arches who visited our hospital. We also assessed the tongue raising force, maximum occlusal force, lip closure force, and masticatory movement patterns, representing the oral function. Changes in the hyoid and resting tongue position before and after treatment were also evaluated using lateral cephalometric radiographs. Finally, the patients were divided into two groups based on the expansion frequency (once every two weeks or once per week) for measurement comparisons. Results We found that the amount of expansion at the deep width of the palate was half that at the shallow width. Furthermore, the maximum occlusal force and tongue raising forces improved after the treatment. Additionally, multiple regression analysis indicated that the resting tongue position and maximum occlusal force before the expansion treatment were significantly associated with the amount of palate expansion. Conclusions Slow plate expand can expansion the basal palate. Moreover, oral function improves after expansion therapy.

Association between malocclusion and articulation of phonemes in early childhood

To evaluate the relationship between dental malocclusion and speech to understand the etiology of speech sound disorders (SSD) in schoolchildren and to make a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Articulation and dental occlusion, oromyofunctional evaluation with orofacial praxis and musculature, resting tongue position, and swallowing pattern were analyzed in 290 schoolchildren between the ages of 4 and 7 years. Statistical tests were considered significant for P < .05. A significant association between dental malocclusions (Angle Class II and III, anterior open bite, edge-to-edge bite, overjet and anterior crossbite) and phonetic alterations (P = .008) was observed. Sigmatisms and rhotacisms were the most frequent disorders. Malocclusions also showed a significant association with oral habits and with orofacial praxis and muscle activity. The presence of malocclusion can cause imbalances in the functions involved in the stomatognathic system. Awareness of this relationship in young children would help professionals to implement preventive measures for the optimum development of children's oral health.

Analysis of Tongue Function from the Orthodontist’s Point of View: Not Only a Matter of Deglutition

Many studies report that maxillofacial growth is influenced by genetic and environmental elements and that incorrect breathing, chewing, sucking, and swallowing are promoting factors of malocclusion. This study aims to evaluate the function and the influence of the tongue positions in patients with Angle class III malocclusion, maxillary hypoplasia, and posterior crossbite. One hundred patients, aged between 6 and 12 years old, were enrolled for the study. In the first group, patients with a diagnosis of class III malocclusion, affected by maxillary hypoplasia, skeletal class III, and posterior dental crossbite were recruited. In the control group, not treated patients with no malocclusion, skeletal class I, and without posterior dental crossbite were selected. Regarding atypical deglutition, no statistical differences were reported between the two groups, and 14% of patients reported ankyloglossia. Statistical differences were found in tongue rest position and during the execution of “hold and pull” and “chuck” exercises. Results obtained in this observational study showed that the clinician (orthodontist or general dentist) should analyze the presence/absence of atypical swallowing, the anatomical and functional aspects, and the tongue behavior in the rest position.

Assessment of posterior tongue mobility using lingual-palatal suction: Progress towards a functional definition of ankyloglossia.

BackgroundA functional definition of ankyloglossia has been based on assessment of tongue mobility using the tongue range of motion ratio (TRMR) with the tongue tip extended towards the incisive papilla (TIP). Whereas this measurement has been helpful in assessing for variations in the mobility of the anterior one‐third of the tongue (tongue tip and apex), it may be insufficient to adequately assess the mobility of the posterior two‐thirds body of the tongue. A commonly used modification is to assess TRMR while the tongue is held in suction against the roof of the mouth in lingual‐palatal suction (LPS).ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the utility and normative values of TRMR‐LPS as an adjunct to functional assessment of tongue mobility using TRMR‐TIP.Study DesignCross‐sectional cohort study of 611 subjects (ages: 3‐83 years) from the general population.MethodsMeasurements of tongue mobility using TRMR were performed with TIP and LPS functional movements. Objective TRMR measurements were compared with subjective self‐assessment of resting tongue position, ease or difficulty elevating the tongue tip to the palate, and ease or difficulty elevating the tongue body to the palate.ResultsThere was a statistically significant association between the objective measures of TRMR‐TIP and TRMR‐LPS and subjective reports of tongue mobility. LPS measurements were much more highly correlated with differences in elevating the posterior body of the tongue as compared to TIP measurements (R2 0.31 vs 0.05, P < .0001).ConclusionsThis study validates the TRMR‐LPS as a useful functional metric for assessment of posterior tongue mobility.

Evaluation of Resting Tongue Position in Partially Edentulous and Completely Edentulous Patients

Introduction: Resting tongue position is of crucial importance in the stability and retention of complete denture, particularly of the mandible. The retracted position of the tongue has been found to be higher in edentulous subjects when compared to dentate subjects and highest in completely edentulous individuals.&#x0D; Objectives: To evaluate the resting tongue position in completely edentulous as well as partially edentulous patients.&#x0D; Methods: 50 edentulous and 50 partially edentulous (mandible) subjects were taken. The edentulous group was divided into two groups according to the duration of edentulousness. Group A: Recently extracted edentulous subjects (&lt; 1 year), Group B: Long term edentulous subjects (&gt; 1 years). The partially edentulous group was divided into 4 groups according to Kennedy classification. The resting tongue positions of all the individuals were determined. The data was analyzed using SPSS statistical tests like mean, standard deviation, proportion, Chi-square test and Independent T-test.&#x0D; Results: In complete edentulous group, the abnormal upper was the most frequent (38%). In partial edentulous group, the normal lower was the most frequently observed tongue position with 34%. The abnormal tongue position was found in 68% and 40% in completely edentulous and partially edentulous subjects respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Retracted resting tongue position is found to be higher in completely edentulous subjects than partially edentulous ones.

Application of 3D reconstruction for midline glossectomy in OSA patients.

To explore the application of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology for midline glossectomy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Fifteen patients with OSA were included in this study. Each of them received computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination of lingual arteries in the resting tongue position and fully extended tongue position respectively. The two-dimensional CTA images were converted to 3D models using 3D reconstruction technology. We simulated the midline glossectomy in different tongue positions with a safe margin of 3mm. The differences in the distances between bilateral lingual arteries, the depths of the lingual arteries and the surgical resectable volumes of the tongue were compared between different tongue positions in 3D models. The depths of the lingual arteries, the distances between bilateral lingual arteries based on three measuring sections and the surgical resectable volumes of the tongue in the fully extended tongue position were significantly smaller than those in the resting tongue position (P < 0.01 or 0.05). The 3D reconstruction technology can show the course of lingual artery stereoscopically and visually, and can be more beneficial to guide surgery than two-dimensional examination. Lingual artery examination in the fully extended tongue position has higher specificity in displaying intraoperative actual situation.

The assessment of resting tongue posture in different sagittal skeletal patterns.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Resting tongue posture affects the surrounding structures and, theoretically, may result in altered arch form and jaw relationship. Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between resting tongue posture as observed in lateral cephalometric radiograph, sagittal jaw relationship and arch form. Methods: The study was conducted on pretreatment lateral cephalograms and dental casts of 90 subjects. Subjects were equally divided into three groups, based on sagittal jaw relationship (Class I, II and III). Tongue posture was determined in terms of tongue-to-palate distances at six different points (distances 1 to 6) using ViewPro-X software, according to the method described by Graber et al in 1997. The arch widths (intercanine and intermolar widths) were evaluated on pretreatment dental casts. Results: Tongue-to-palate distances were found to be comparable among different study groups. Significant differences were found in intercanine and intermolar widths at the cuspal and gingival levels among the study groups, except for intercanine width at cuspal level in maxilla and intermolar width at cuspal level in mandible. Moderate positive correlation was found between arch widths ratios at distances 3 and 4 in skeletal Class III group. Effect size was found to be moderate to large in different sagittal skeletal patterns and arch widths.Conclusion: The results of the current study showed no significant differences in the resting tongue posture among the groups, and moderate to weak correlation between tongue posture and dental arch widths.

Three-dimensional ultrasound evaluation of tongue posture and its impact on articulation disorders in preschool children with anterior open bite

BackgroundTongue posture plays an important role in the etiology of anterior open bite (AOB) and articulation disorders, and is crucial for AOB treatment planning and posttreatment stability. Clinical assessment of tongue posture in children is unreliable due to anatomical limitations. The aim of the study was to present functional diagnostics using three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) assessment of resting tongue posture in comparison to clinical assessment, and the associations between the improper tongue posture, otorhinolaryngological characteristics, and articulation disorders in preschool children with AOB.Patients and methodsA cross-sectional study included 446 children, aged 3–7 years, 236 boys and 210 girls, examined by an orthodontist to detect the prevalence of AOB. The AOB was present in 32 children. The control group consisted of 43 children randomly selected from the participants with normocclusion. An orthodontist, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and a speech therapist assessed orofacial and ENT conditions, oral habits, and articulation disorders in the AOB group and control group. Tongue posture was also assessed by an experienced radiologist, using 3DUS. The 3DUS assessment of tongue posture was compared to the clinical assessment of orthodontist and ENT specialist.ResultsThe prevalence of AOB was 7.2%. The AOB group and the control group significantly differed regarding improper tongue posture (p < 0.001), and articulation disorders (p < 0.001). In children without articulation disorders from both groups, the improper tongue posture occured less frequently than in children with articulation disorders (p < 0.001). After age adjustment, a statistical regression model showed that the children with the improper tongue posture had higher odds ratios for the presence of AOB (OR 14.63; p < 0.001) than the others. When articulation disorders were included in the model, these odds ratios for the AOB became insignificant (p = 0.177). There was a strong association between the improper tongue posture and articulation disorders (p = 0.002). The 3DUS detected the highest number of children with improper resting tongue posture, though there was no significant difference between the 3DUS and clinical assessments done by orthodontist and ENT specialist.ConclusionsThe 3DUS has proved to be an objective, non-invasive, radiation free method for the assessment of tongue posture and could become an important tool in functional diagnostics and early rehabilitation in preschool children with speech irregularities and irregular tongue posture and malocclusion in order to enable optimal conditions for articulation development.

Evaluation of Resting Tongue Position in Recently Extracted and Long Term Completely Edentulous Patients: A Prospective Interventional Study.

Presence of abnormal resting tongue position can lead to poor denture retention and stability. The prevalence of retracted tongue position has been found to be higher in partially edentulous subjects compared to dentate subjects and is greatest in completely edentulous individuals. To evaluate resting tongue position in recently extracted and long term completely edentulous patients, and to evaluate the efficacy of achieving retracted tongue position by simple modification in complete denture along with certain tongue exercises. A total of 62 study subjects were classified into two groups based on duration of edentulousness. Group A: Recently extracted completely edentulous subjects (<1 year), Group B: Long term completely edentulous subjects (>1-10 year). The patients with retracted tongue position were subjected to a simple modification in complete denture along with inclusion of certain tongue exercises. After eight months patients were recalled and evaluated. The data was analysed using SPSS statistical tests like mean, standard deviation, proportion, Chi square test and McNemar Test. Among the study subjects, 54.9% had retracted tongue position. Group B showed high proportion of retracted tongue position (68.8%) as compared to Group A. After the intervention, 42.8% study subjects gained normal resting tongue position. Long term completely edentulous subjects presented retracted tongue position in higher percentage when compared to the recently extracted group. The interventional method employed for the subjects with retracted tongue position, played a significant role to assume normal resting tongue position and showed improvement in denture stability and retention.

Simple Myofunctional Therapy Using Ready-made Mouthpiece Device before and after Orthodontic Treatment.

The present report describes myofunctional therapy using a ready-made training device, the T4A, in patients with permanent dentition and its effect on the prevention of relapse. The buccinator mechanism maintains the inner pressure of the tongue muscle equivalent to the outer pressure of the perioral soft tissues, such as the orbicular muscles, including the cephalopharyngeus and buccinator muscles. Training is performed so that patients learn to place their tongue and lips in the appropriate resting positions. The shape of the T4A and tongue guard supports the tongue from the bottom, allowing formation of the correct resting tongue position. However, the use of T4A for a long period of time may cause the teeth movement; therefore, caution is required. Use of the T4A is effective for the correction of oral habits, myofunctional therapy and for teaching the correct resting tongue position during the daytime and for the correction of oral habits, teaching correct resting tongue position during sleep.

Pacifier-sucking habit duration and frequency on occlusal and myofunctional alterations in preschool children.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of pacifier-sucking habit with occlusal and oral myofunctional alterations in preschool children. Eighty-four 2- to 5-year-old children participated in the study. Data on duration and frequency of pacifier use were collected from parents or guardians. Occlusal and oral myofunctional characteristics were examined by a dentist and a speech therapist, respectively. Chi-square tests and Poisson regression were used to analyze the data. The occlusal characteristics that were significantly associated with a pacifier-sucking habit were anterior open bite, altered canine relation, posterior crossbite, increased overjet, and malocclusion. The oral myofunctional characteristics that were significantly associated with a pacifier-sucking habit were resting lip position, resting tongue position, shape of the hard palate, and swallowing pattern. The strongest associations were for anterior open bite (prevalence ratio [PR] = 11.33), malocclusion ( PR = 2 .33), altered shape of the hard palate ( PR = 1.29), and altered swallowing pattern (PR = 1.27). Both duration and frequency of pacifier-sucking habit were associated with occlusal and oral myofunctional alterations. These results emphasize the need for pediatric dentists to advise parents and caregivers about the risks of prolonged pacifier use and refer children to professionals for multidisciplinary assistance to minimize these risks whenever necessary.

Postura, tônus e mobilidade de lábios e língua de crianças respiradoras orais

OBJETIVO: caracterizar a postura, o tônus e a mobilidade dos lábios e da língua de crianças respiradoras orais. MÉTODO: participaram do estudo realizado em São Paulo, SP, Brasil, 40 crianças respiradoras orais, sendo 26 (65%) do sexo masculino e 14 (35%) do sexo feminino, com idades entre 7 e 10 anos. Utilizou-se o protocolo MBGR para avaliação dos aspectos analisados. RESULTADOS: foram encontrados os seguintes achados para postura dos lábios: entreabertos (32,5%), alternância entre abertos e fechados (27,5%), abertos (22,5%) e fechados (17,5%). Em relação ao tônus do lábio superior: 90% apresentaram tônus normal, 10% diminuído e nenhuma com tônus aumentado. Quanto ao tônus de lábio inferior, 80,0% das crianças apresentaram tônus diminuído e 20,0% normal. No item mobilidade dos lábios, 100,0% apresentaram mobilidade mais próxima dos melhores escores. Em relação à postura habitual da língua, em 57,5% esta estrutura permaneceu no assoalho, em 32,5% não foi possível observar sua posição e em 10,0% se encontrava em posição interdental. Quanto ao tônus da língua, 52,5% apresentaram tônus diminuído e 47,5% normal. Na avaliação de mobilidade de língua, 100,0% apresentaram mobilidade mais próxima dos melhores escores. CONCLUSÃO: as características de postura, tônus e mobilidade dos lábios das crianças respiradoras orais estudadas foram: lábios entreabertos, lábio superior com tônus normal, lábio inferior com tônus diminuído e mobilidade normal. Em relação à língua: postura no assoalho da boca, tônus diminuído e mobilidade normal.

Estudo do posicionamento de língua e lábios em sujeitos com disfunção temporomandibular e dor orofacial

OBJETIVO: verificar a posição de repouso de língua e lábios em sujeitos com Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) e analisar a intensidade da dor em músculos mastigatórios. MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 44 sujeitos de ambos os sexos com média de idade de 42,52 anos. Foram realizadas três avaliações: exame clínico visual, averiguando a posição de repouso da língua, seguido de avaliação subjetiva e objetiva da dor pela Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) e palpação dos músculos mastigatórios. RESULTADOS: 23 (52,27%) posicionaram a língua no palato e 21 (47,73%) na posição baixa. Dos sujeitos que posicionaram a língua no palato, 73,91% deles referiram dor à palpação em masseter; 56,52% na região cervical; 43,48% em temporais; 39,13% em digástricos e 52,17% em região articular. Encontraram-se relações estatisticamente significantes entre queixa subjetiva e objetiva da dor relativo aos músculos cervicais (p=0,026), temporais (p=0,019), digástricos (p=0,005) e região articular (p=0,013). Na amostra foram encontrados 88,63% de componente miálgico e 56,81% artrálgico. CONCLUSÃO: a posição não elevada da língua não se confirmou em pacientes com DTM, uma vez que a distribuição foi equitativa, com ausência de correlação entre dor e posição de língua, predomínio de lábios fechados e dores miálgicas mais freqüentes que as artrálgicas.

Occlusal and orofacial myofunctional evaluation in children with primary dentition, anterior open bite and pacifier sucking habit

The aim of this study was to evaluate occlusal and orofacial myofunctional characteristics in children three to five years of age with anterior open bite related to a pacifier sucking habit. Sixty-nine children participated in this study: 35 with anterior open bite (Anterior Open Bite Group - AOBG) and 34 with normal occlusion (Control Group - CG). In AOBG, the mean anterior open bite was 2.96 mm, the mean overjet was 4.1 mm and the mean upper intercanine distance was 28.7 mm. In the CG, the mean overjet was 2.6 mm and the upper intercanine distance was 30.3 mm. The mean overjet was greater (p=0.001) in AOBG than in CG, and the mean upper intercanine distance was smaller (p&lt;0.001) in AOBG. The number of children with a canine Class II relationship was greater in AOBG than in CG (p&lt;0.001). Simple logistic regression analysis showed that greater overjet, smaller upper intercanine distance and Class II canine relationship coexisted with anterior open bite. In AOBG, the number of children with incompetent lips, inadequate lip tonus, lack of proper tongue rest position, inadequate cheek tonus, anterior tongue interposition during swallowing and speech was greater (p&lt;0.05) than in CG. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified anterior tongue interposition during swallow and speech, as well as incompetent lips, as the main orofacial myofunctional characteristics in children with anterior open bite.

Estudio clínico fonoaudiológico de las funciones de deglución y masticación en las personas mayores

We describe the clinical evaluation of deglutition and chewing functions in 28 elderly individuals without previous neurological orneuromuscular disorders, through a protocol that analyses oral health, type of feeding, and aspects of static function (resting tongueposition) and the dynamics of the phonoarticulatory organs, both when the oral cavity is empty —as in the act of chewing— and in the oral phase of deglutition. Participants were found to have poor oral health and difficulty in ingesting solid food related to tooth loss, as well as an associated weakness of the lingual and facial musculature. We also observed a normally low resting tongue position and anterior support of the tongue during deglutition.

Factors related to the resting tongue position among partially and completely edentulous subjects

The prevalence of abnormal (retracted) position of the tongue at rest was examined in subjects with varying number of natural lower teeth. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between tongue retraction and state of dentition and to identify potentially related parameters. The resting tongue positions were recorded in subjects partially edentulous in the lower jaw (n = 164) and compared with those met in dentate (n = 57) and completely edentulous participants (n = 84). Potentially related parameters, such as age, sex, duration of edentulism, palate vault and signs of temporomandibular disorders were also recorded. Tongue retraction was observed in a small percentage (12.3%) of the dentate, almost half (45.7%) of the partially edentulous and in the majority (67.8%) of the completely edentulous participants. The number of natural lower teeth correlated with the resting tongue position in the partially edentulous group. The tongue position at rest was also found weakly related to signs of temporomandibular disorders in the dentate group and to the sex and duration of edentulism in the partially edentulous group. It was concluded that the abnormal positioning of the resting tongue is increasingly observed with decreasing number of natural teeth, possibly in accordance with the morphological and functional alterations that result from teeth loss. The presence of a retracted tongue affects the complete denture construction; however, its effect on denture function remains questionable.

Macroglossia: a case study

A young child with macroglossia of unknown cause was seen for treatment to modify resting tongue posture and improve speech sound production. Evaluation of the treatments indicated positive change in resting tongue posture and a modest change in speech sound production. Treatment for such patients can be complex and must consider orthodontic and/or surgical interventions, because an enlarged tongue can influence growth, development, and physiology of the oropharyngeal complex. The speech–language pathologist must be prepared to deal with the complex of problems demonstrated by patients with macroglossia during growth and development. Learning outcomes (1) As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to describe the sequelae of macroglossia. (2) As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify appropriate treatment options for children with macroglossia.