| Abstract/Notes |
Purpose: Collaboration between healthcare disciplines is the foundation of a wholistic approach to a child’s optimal health. For example, chiropractors have linked temporomandibular joint dysfunction to postural strain. Forward head carriage and associated changes in the anterior to posterior curves of the spine can result in an alteration in muscle length and function shifting stress to the face and jaw resulting in headaches or facial pain. This is one of the reasons pediatric chiropractors emphasize development of postural stability and closely monitor development and attainment of motor milestones. The authors of this paper propose that the effect of oral motor function may directly influence posture and as a result, should also be taken into consideration when working with the pediatric patient. In clinical practice with infants and children, it is imperative that pediatric health care professionals are aware of the developmental milestones children should be meeting so that they are able to support and guide families to navigate what is “normal” when assessing and understanding their child’s growth and development.
This is especially important as it relates to oral development. This paper will attempt to provide practitioners some assistance and resources for parents of children with oral motor dysfunction with an emphasis on appropriate and timely collaborative referrals.
Author keywords: oral motor function, breastfeeding dysfunction, feeding disorder, pediatric, developmental milestones,
chiropractic, oromyofunctional therapy
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