Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Tongue position assessment during oral phase deglutition in children with anterior open bite and normal vertical
Paula Gonzalez1, MarIa Beatriz MartInez1, Valentina Sierra2
1Department of Orthodontics, Cooperative University of Colombia, Medellín, Colombia.
Introduction:
Tongue position during deglutition presents great variability and can be assessed clinically or with different techniques.
Aim:
This study aims to determine tongue position during deglutition in children aged 8-16 years with anterior open bite (AOB) and normal vertical overbite (NVO) using a fluorescein technique.
Settings And Design:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to assess tongue contact points during the oral phase of deglutition.
Subjects And Methods:
A total of 132 children with AOB and 132 children with NVO were included in this study. The difference between tongue contacts in both groups was performed, and the association between tongue position and anterior occlusion was establish.
Statistical Analysis Used:
Normal distribution analysis, Parson's Chi-square test (P < 0.05).
Results:
In AOB, about 28.8% showed tongue contact on the palatal surface of the incisors during the oral phase, 25.8% at the gingival margin, and 22% on the palatal rugae. Regarding NVO, 53% showed contact on the palatal rugae, 28.8% at the gingival margin, and 13.6% at the palatal surface.
Conclusion:
AOB group presented a higher prevalence of impaired tongue positions compared to NVO controls. The palatal surface was the most frequent contact point in the AOB, whereas tongue showed contact points at the palatal rugae in NVO.
Related Concept Videos
Deglutition
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...
Tongue
Anatomical Position in the Oral Cavity
The tongue is located within the oral cavity, also known as the mouth. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold of mucous membrane called the...
Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon
The Tongue and Taste Buds
Vertical Curve: Problem Solving

