Gloria D. Kellum

Social Support Networks among Families of Children with Craniofacial Anomalies

Investigated the social support available to families of children born with craniofacial anomalies and the perceived degree of satisfaction derived from these relationships. Thirty-six children (1 month to 5 years old) born with craniofacial deformities (FD) were matched by age and sex to 36 children with no significant physical or behavioral problems. The Social Support Questionnaire-Revised, the Revised Denver Developmental Screening Test, and a semistructured interview were administered. Results indicated that parents of FD children reported less available social support and were significantly less satisfied with their support. Parents of children who had more severe physical impairments and were rated as less attractive reported having less available and less satisfying social support. In particular, the social competence of the child was the most important predictor of parental social support. This result is interesting as the parents of FD children appeared to underreport the presence of behavioral-psychological problems in their children.

A longitudinal evaluation of open mouth posture and maxillary arch width in children

Open mouth posture and maxillary arch width were assessed annually for 4 years in a group of children. While younger children exhibited high levels of open mouth posture, this behavior decreased significantly over time. Racial and sex differences, as well as a race-by-time interaction were also evident. The children displayed a significant increase in maxillary arch width across time with sex and racial differences in this growth pattern. Subjects were classified as exhibiting primarily open mouth or closed mouth posture. Although both groups showed increased maxillary arch widths over time, the closed mouth subjects showed significantly greater maxillary arch growth.

Open-mouth posture and maxillary arch width in young children: A three-year evaluation

A large biracial sample of children were assessed for open mouth posture and maxillary arch width once a year for 3 years. Analyses revealed that although the youngsters exhibited open-mouth posture at high levels, over time, there was a significant decrease in this behavior. Racial and gender differences, as well as a race-by-time interaction, were also evidenced. The children displayed a significant increase in maxillary arch width across time, with gender and racial differences seen in this growth pattern. Finally, when the youngsters were classified as exhibiting primarily open-mouth or closed-mouth posture, it was observed that children with open-mouth posture displayed a significantly slower pattern of maxillary growth compared with children who display anterior lip seal posture. The implications of the findings were discussed.

Myofunctional and dentofacial relationships in second grade children.

One hundred and thirty-three second graders in rural public school were assessed on a number of dental, skeletal, and oral muscle function measures. Correlational analyses were conducted in order to determine whether specific myofunctional variables were associated with dentofacial development. Significant relationships were observed between open mouth posture and a narrow maxillary arch and long facial height. Labial and lingual rest and swallow patterns were also related to poor coordination of lip and tongue movements.

Rhinometry and open-mouth posture in young children

A biracial sample of 348 elementary school children who were in the first grade were assessed for open-mouth posture (OMP) in the natural environment. In addition, rhinometry was performed on 296 of the children. Means were computed for percent OMP and cross-sectional nasal airway. Results indicated that, in general, these children exhibited relatively high rates of OMP. Boys displayed significantly greater OMP than girls, and black children showed significantly larger cross-sectional nasal areas than white children. A significant correlation between OMP and nasal area only was evident for children exhibiting OMP during more than 80% of the observation intervals. The implications of the findings were discussed.

Computer Information Retrieval Systems as a Clinical Tool

Recent advances in computerized library retrieval methods can be used by clinicians and researchers alike, yet practicing professionals are often unaware of the ready accessibility of on-line and o...