Analysis of Craniofacial Morphometry: Its Relationship with Oral Motor Acts in Pediatric Subjects. Análisis de la Morfometría Craneofacial: su Relación con Actos Motores Orales en Sujetos Pediátricos

Abstract

CChildhood craniofacial development depends largely on functional factors linked to the stomatognathic system, such as breathing, sucking, swallowing, and lip posture. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between craniofacial morphometry and oral motor functions in a sample of 44 children aged 7 to 10 years. A quantitative, non-experimental, correlational design was used, assessing functional variables and obtaining morphometric measurements from lateral cranial radiographs. Angular and linear measurements were calculated based on anatomical points of the temporomandibular joint, the anterior palatine point, and the oxypitoatloid joint, integrating a structured cephalometric analysis. The results showed statistically significant associations between breathing type, lip posture, and craniofacial angles. Age and sex were also shown to influence facial proportions. The regression model and the statistical significance achieved by these variables showed that angular measurements vary, a factor that reached a coefficient of determination greater than 45%. The findings support the functionalist model of craniofacial growth, demonstrating that orofacial function impacts the morphology of the midface. It is concluded that craniofacial morphometry constitutes a valuable diagnostic tool in speech therapy practice, allowing the identification of structural alterations associated with dysfunctional habits from early stages, with preventive and therapeutic implications in the interdisciplinary approach to child development.