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Oralpharyngeal Transition: A Case Study

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A gradual development of the structures used during the oralpharyngeal phases of swallowing occurs in the first couple years of life. Changes should be seen in tongue movement, jaw movement, dentition and lip closure. Typically, babies begin to lateralize the tongue between six to nine months, which indicates the presence of volitional control (Rogers & Arvedson, 2005). Volitional control suggests a child's readiness to transition from a liquid diet to foods and purees. During this transition, the fat pads in the cheeks, which were important for early suckling and sucking are absorbed (Cichero, 2006). Also, around six to nine months vertical jaw movement, or munching begins to emerge (Delaney & Arvedson, 2008). By twelve months, most children

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