Small findings, Big Impact ― Approaches to Function and Form - The 6th International Dental Symposium

Session

Moderator

Japan

Prof. Shouji
Hironaka 弘中
祥司先生

Professor, Showa Medical University
Department of Hygiene and Oral Health 昭和医科大学歯学部口腔衛生学講座教授

Dr. DH

10/ 4（sun）

15:15 - 16:45

4F〜6F ホール C

Session 21

Small findings, Big Impact
― Approaches to Function and Form

小さな気づきが未来を変える
～機能と形態へのアプローチ～

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. Shouji
Hironaka 弘中
祥司先生

Professor, Showa Medical University
Department of Hygiene and Oral Health 昭和医科大学歯学部口腔衛生学講座教授

Moderator & Lecturer

The Past and Future of Oral Function in Children

小児の口腔機能のこれまで〜これから

The background behind the introduction of developmental insufficiency of oral function
The social context surrounding children
Improving oral function to prevent choking

口腔機能発達不全症が導入された経緯
子どもたちをめぐる社会的背景
口腔機能を向上して窒息予防につなげよう

It has been eight years since developmental insufficiency of oral function were added to the national health insurance coverage in 2018. The social context surrounding children has shifted to an era that focuses not only on caries prevention but also on oral function. Japan’s food culture is also undergoing a major transformation, influenced by various factors from abroad. However, some children with immature oral function are unable to adapt to these changes, and we have begun to hear of tragic choking accidents. Eating safely and enjoyably is the best form of prevention. In this session, we would like to report on our research to date.

Japan

Dr. Kiyoe
Shimizu 清水
清恵先生

Shimizu Dental Clinic 清水歯科クリニック

Lecturer

Early Management of Pediatric Oral Hypofunction Using Myofunctional Therapy (MFT)

MFTを応用した幼児期〜学童前期の
口腔機能発達不全症への対応

Pediatric oral function management focused on daily functional activities to improve parent–child quality of life
Individualized management based on developmental stage–specific and cause-based assessment
Management of pediatric oral hypofunction is the first step toward acquiring lifelong health literacy

生活機能に着目した親子のQOL向上のための小児口腔機能管理
発達段階別、原因別に考えたい個々への対応
口腔機能発達不全症対策は生涯にわたるヘルスリテラシー獲得のための初めの一歩

From early childhood to early school age, children undergo a critical period for acquiring and mastering oral function. Appropriate assessment and early intervention for existing problems contribute to the long-term stability of oral function. This presentation will introduce practical pediatric oral function management using myofunctional therapy (MFT) with a focus on daily functional activities. The discussion will cover individualized management based on developmental stage-specific and cause-based assessments. Additionally, we will consider the potential impact of these approaches on improving the quality of life for parents and children and promoting the development of lifelong health literacy.

Japan

Dr. Satoshi
Kawai 河井
聡先生

Yamaguchi Dental Clinic 山口歯科医院

Lecturer

The Dental Arch as a Mirror of Oral Function: Clinical Approaches for School-Aged Children

The relationship between dental arch and oral function
The importance of the school-age period for mental and physical development
Oral function training in the dental clinic for school-age children
Detailed diagnosis of oral habits and selection of appropriate oral function training

Oral habits are functional problems that can have a significant impact on dental arch development. The school-age period is a particularly important stage, characterized by rapid mental and physical development. Although management during this period can be challenging, it also provides an ideal opportunity for effective intervention through direct interaction with children in the dental clinic. In this lecture, clinical cases will be used to demonstrate how changes in the dental arch can help identify specific oral habits, and how appropriate oral function training can be selected according to the underlying cause during the school-age years.