Epidemiological Investigation of Atypical Swallowing in the Adult Population: Assessment of Clinical Signs
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- University of Roma La Sapienza
- Enrollment
- 125
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Prevalence of Atypical Swallowing in Adult Periodontal Patients
Overview
Brief Summary
This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of atypical (dysfunctional) swallowing in an adult population affected by periodontitis. The research investigates the correlation between dysfunctional swallowing patterns - characterized by abnormal tongue thrust-and clinical oral manifestations such as dental mobility and the worsening of periodontal conditions. By analyzing data collected through patient questionnaires and clinical evaluations, the study seeks to highlight how incorrect lingual posture and pressure can negatively influence the integrity of the tooth-supporting tissues in adults.
Detailed Description
The study aims to investigate whether atypical swallowing acts as a "secondary occlusal trauma," which exacerbates periodontal damage in tissues already compromised by inflammation.
Data Collection: Patients are screened using a specific questionnaire to detect "vicious habits" (e.g., thumb sucking, lip biting) and respiratory issues (e.g., mouth breathing due to deviated septum or adenoid hypertrophy) that contribute to incorrect lingual posture.
Clinical Indicators: The study monitors several oral manifestations associated with tongue thrust, including the formation of an anterior open bite, diastemas, localized calculus accumulation, and gingival recessions.Clinical Implications: The research explores how the lack of physiological palatal expansion and low tongue posture can lead to a narrow "ogival" palate and subsequent occlusal instability. The results are intended to validate the importance of a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach - involving dental hygienists, orthodontists, and speech therapists- to improve the long-term prognosis of periodontal therapy and prevent orthodontic relapses.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Other
- Time Perspective
- Cross Sectional
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to — (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •age over 18
- •periodontal patients
- •informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- •age under 18
- •inability to understand and want
- •the language barrier such as to prevent full understanding of the questionnaire
- •any problems with surgical resection of the tongue
- •the lack of dental elements in the frontal sectors (in particular 2° and 5° sextant) or the presence of unrehabilitated edentulous saddles in those areas
- •absence of radiographic documentation
- •non-periodontal patients
- •failure to consent to the study
Arms & Interventions
Patients with periodontal disease
Patients with atyipical swallowing and periodontal disease
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Prevalence of Atypical Swallowing in Adult Periodontal Patients
Time Frame: Baseline (at the time of the single clinical examination).
The primary goal is to determine the frequency of dysfunctional swallowing patterns within a selected sample of adults diagnosed with periodontitis. This is assessed through a standardized clinical evaluation of tongue posture (at rest and during deglutition) and the administration of a structured diagnostic questionnaire. The outcome is expressed as the percentage of the study population exhibiting atypical swallowing compared to physiological swallowing.
Secondary Outcomes
- Presence of Associated clinical alterations(baseline)
Investigators
Fabrizio Guerra
Associate professor, MD, pHd
University of Roma La Sapienza