Small findings, Big Impact-Fostering Healthy Oral Functions for the Future - The 6th International Dental Symposium

Session

Moderator

Japan

Professor, Section of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Growth and Development, Fukuoka Dental College 福岡歯科大学成長発達歯学講座
成育小児歯科学分野教授

Dr. DH

10/ 3(Sat)

13:30 - 15:00

4F〜6F ホール C

Session 20

Small findings, Big Impact-Fostering Healthy Oral Functions for the Future

小さな気づきが未来を変える
～口腔機能の健やかな育成のために～

Since its introduction into the national health insurance system in 2018 and the expansion of its indications, increasing attention has been focused on oral function in children. This expanded two-session program will cover dental clinic approaches that can have a significant impact on lifelong oral health and quality of life, from key clinical checkpoints to age-specific considerations.

Japan

Prof. Kyoko
Oka 岡
暁子先生

Professor, Section of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Growth and Development, Fukuoka Dental College 福岡歯科大学成長発達歯学講座
成育小児歯科学分野教授

Moderator & Lecturer

Clinical Assessment and Interpretation of Oral Functional Development in Children

子どもたちの口腔機能発達の診かた・考えかた

Understanding the learning process through which oral functions are acquired in accordance with growth and development
Understanding the pathophysiology of developmental insufficiency of oral function: a diagnostic approach that distinguishes morphology from function
Management strategies from the perspective of supporting oral functional development

成長発達に応じて獲得される口腔機能の学習プロセスへの理解
口腔機能発達不全症の病態理解：形態と機能を分けた診断の考え方
口腔機能発達を「支援する」という視点に立った対応法

In recent years, declining physical function in children, including oral function, has become an increasingly significant concern. To provide appropriate management for developmental insufficiency of oral function, it is essential to accurately identify the underlying problems by distinguishing between morphological and functional factors. This lecture will review the developmental learning processes through which oral functions are acquired during growth, with a focus on feeding, swallowing, and articulation, and will explain the fundamental approaches to the assessment and diagnosis of developmental insufficiency of oral function.

Japan

Dr. Noriko
Tonogi 外木
徳子先生

Medical corporation Syutokukai Tonogi Pediatric Dental Clinic 医療法人社団守徳会とのぎ小児歯科

Lecturer

Oral Function Development Beginning at “Minus One Year”
— An Approach from the Prenatal Period to Early Childhood —

口腔機能育成を考えたマイナス1歳
〜幼児期へのアプローチ～

Reflecting on the significance that most primary teeth are formed during pregnancy
A dental visit at 3 months of age is not “too early,” but “just right"
Let’s make the weaning and early childhood feeding periods an active window for promoting oral function development
Expanding the scope of dentistry through a focus on oral function development starting in very young children

乳歯のほとんどが妊娠中の母体で作られることの意味を考える
生後3か月の歯科受診は「まだ早い」ではなく「ちょうどいい」
離乳食・幼児食期を口腔機能育成の積極的な時間にしよう！
歯科のすそ野を広げる低年齢児からの口腔機能育成の考え方

Primary teeth begin forming during pregnancy, making the prenatal period a critical window for shaping a child’s oral and systemic health. Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to support and educate expectant mothers from this early stage. After birth, guidance on feeding practices―from breastfeeding through weaning to early childhood nutrition―should be provided while closely monitoring both physical and psychological development. Dentistry also holds a distinct advantage in its ability to regularly observe healthy children from a young age. By leveraging this longitudinal perspective, dental professionals can take a leading role in promoting optimal oral function development. Such a proactive and preventive approach may contribute not only to oral health, but also to the child’s lifelong well-being and quality of life.

Japan

Dr. Miyuki
Hamano 浜野
美幸先生

Director, Chiba Dental Clinic 千葉歯科医院院長

Lecturer

Oral Function Management in School-Aged Children: Practical Approaches for Daily Practice

明日から実践できる口腔機能管理
～学童期へのアプローチ～

Key Points for Identifying Developmental Insufficiency of Oral Function: Assessment and Goal Setting for Management
Practical Feeding Support and Oral Motor Training: Essential Clinical Points
Psychosocial Approaches to Establishing Healthy Lifestyle Habits

口腔機能発達不全に気付くポイント、評価、治療のゴール設定
食支援や運動機能訓練の実践押さえておきたいポイント
よい生活習慣習得のためのサイコソーシャルアプローチ

School age is a critical period for the development of healthy oral function toward adulthood. Establishing desirable lifestyle habits, including good oral hygiene, eating habits, and posture, is essential because these behaviors form the foundation for lifelong health.
Therefore, it is important to identify oral habits and related problems at an early stage through daily dental practice and school dental examinations. A psychosocial approach that respects children’s feelings and takes their living environment into consideration is desirable. Proper management of oral function may contribute to lifelong health.