Open-mouth posture and maxillary arch width in young children: a three-year evaluation.

A large biracial sample of children were assessed for open mouth posture and maxillary arch width once a year for 3 years. Analyses revealed that although the youngsters exhibited open-mouth posture at high levels, over time, there was a significant decrease in this behavior. Racial and gender differences, as well as a race-by-time interaction, were also evidenced.

Thumbsucking as related to placement and acoustic aspects of /s, z/ and lingual rest postures.

Three hundred seventy-one second graders in rural public schools were evaluated for thumbsucking, rest and swallow postures of the tongue, and articulatory placement and acoustic aspects of /s,z/. Significant relationships were observed between thumbsucking and lower dental or interdental rest and swallow postures as well as acoustic errors for /s,z/. The implications of these relationships are discussed.

A longitudinal evaluation of open mouth posture and maxillary arch width in children.

Open mouth posture and maxillary arch width were assessed annually for 4 years in a group of children. While younger children exhibited high levels of open mouth posture, this behavior decreased significantly over time. Racial and sex differences, as well as a race-by-time interaction were also evident.

Open mouth posture and cross-sectional nasal area in young children.

A biracial sample of two-hundred ninety-six children were assessed for open-mouth posture (OMP) in the natural environment. In addition, rhinometry was performed on 288 of the youngsters. Means were computed for percent OMP and cross-sectional nasal airway.

Rhinometry and open-mouth posture in young children.

A biracial sample of 348 elementary school children who were in the first grade were assessed for open-mouth posture (OMP) in the natural environment. In addition, rhinometry was performed on 296 of the children. Means were computed for percent OMP and cross-sectional nasal airway.

Oral motor control, posturing, and myofunctional variables in 8-year-olds.

One hundred thirty-three rural second graders were evaluated for diadochokinetic abilities and myofunctional variables. Single-syllable diadochokinetic rates were significantly correlated with open-mouth resting postures. Slow trisyllable diadochokinetic rates were significantly correlated with a dentalized resting tongue posture and dentalized swallow patterns.

Social support networks among families of children with craniofacial anomalies.

Investigated the social support available to families of children born with craniofacial anomalies and the perceived degree of satisfaction derived from these relationships. Thirty-six children (1 month to 5 years old) born with craniofacial deformities (FD) were matched by age and sex to 36 children with no significant physical or behavioral problems. The Social Support Questionnaire-Revised, the Revised Denver Developmental Screening Test, and a semistructured interview were administered.

Myofunctional and dentofacial relationships in second grade children.

One hundred and thirty-three second graders in rural public school were assessed on a number of dental, skeletal, and oral muscle function measures. Correlational analyses were conducted in order to determine whether specific myofunctional variables were associated with dentofacial development. Significant relationships were observed between open mouth posture and a narrow maxillary arch and long facial height.