Keywords
Abstract
The study, conducted on 420 patients at the Orthodontics division of the U.O.C. of Odontostomatology at Fatebenefratelli San Pietro Hospital in Rome, analyzes the physiological mechanisms of swallowing and evaluates the clinical effectiveness of Froggy Mouth. Froggy Mouth is a removable device made of thermoplastic elastomer, available in three sizes and used to stimulate neural circuits for 15 minutes a day during playful activities. The results show significant improvements in tongue posture and spontaneous resolution of dental malocclusions. Patients, particularly those in the physiological developmental age, achieved predictable and lasting results with minimal commitment. Supporting this are studies by Eric Kandel (Nobel Prize winner in 2000) on the physiological bases of memory and learning, which suggest that involuntary and consistent learning can lead to permanent structural changes in neural circuits. This approach is also confirmed by Dr. Patrick Fellus, the device's creator, who emphasizes the importance of stimulating the posterior part of the tongue. Therefore, Froggy Mouth has proven to be an effective device for correcting atypical swallowing with significant and lasting improvements. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results and explore the mechanisms of action. Multidisciplinary collaboration remains crucial in addressing this complex problem.
References
Ovsenik R, Marolt Mušič M, Primožič J. (2024) Changes in the swallowing pattern and tongue posture during the transition from deciduous to mixed dentition-a longitudinal ultrasonography study. Eur J Orthod. 2024 Jan 1;46(1) doi: 10.1093/ejo/cjad066
Gonçalves FM, Taveira K, Araujo CM, Ravazzi GMNC, Guariza Filho O, Zeigelboim BS, Santos RS, Stechman Neto J. (2023) Association between atypical swallowing and malocclusions: a systematic review. Dental Press J Orthod. 2023 Mar 27;27(6) doi:10.1590/2177-6709.27.6.e2221285.oar.
Begnoni G, Dellavia C, Pellegrini G, Scarponi L, Schindler A, Pizzorni N. (2020) The efficacy of myofunctional therapy in patients with atypical swallowing. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Sep;277(9):2501-2511. doi: 10.1007/s00405-020-05994-w.
Malandraki GA, Johnson S, Robbins J. (2011) Functional MRI of swallowing: from neurophysiology to neuroplasticity. Head Neck. 2011 Oct;33 Suppl 1(0 1):S14-20. doi: 10.1002/hed.21903.
Rodríguez-Olivos LHG, Chacón-Uscamaita PR, Quinto-Argote AG, Pumahualcca G, Pérez-Vargas LF. (2022) Deleterious oral habits related to vertical, transverse and sagittal dental malocclusion in pediatric patients. BMC Oral Health. 2022 Mar 23;22(1):88. doi: 10.1186/s12903-022-02122-4.
Quinzi V, Nota A, Caggiati E, Saccomanno S, Marzo G, Tecco S. (2020) Short-Term Effects of a Myofunctional Appliance on Atypical Swallowing and Lip Strength: A Prospective Study. J Clin Med. 2020 Aug 15;9(8):2652. doi: 10.3390/jcm9082652.
Potter NL, Nievergelt Y, VanDam M. Tongue Strength in Children With and Without Speech Sound Disorders. (2019) Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2019 May 27;28(2):612-622. doi: 10.1044/2018_AJSLP-18-0023.
Debucean D, Mihaiu J, Maghiar AM, Marcu F, Marcu OA. (2023) A Multidisciplinary Approach to Swallowing Rehabilitation in Patients with Forward Head Posture. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Aug 31;59(9):1580. doi:10.3390/medicina59091580.
Patel, N., & Singh, R. (2015). Swallowing therapy for atypical swallowing patterns: A systematic review. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 58(5), 1452-1461. https://doi.org/10.1044/2015_JSLHR-S-14-0348
M. Martelli, W. Russomanno, S. Di Vecchio, P. Bollero, L. Ottria, M. Gargari, F. Gianfreda. Orthodontic treatment from childhood to adolescence with minimally invasive therapy: correction of atypical swallowing and dental alignment. A case report.Oral and Implantology Vol. 16 No. 3 (2024), 119-123. https://doi.org/10.11138/oi.v16i3.56
Barlattani A Jr, Martelli M, Gargari M, Ottria L. (2019) Articular disc of temporomandibular joint: an anatomical and histological study. Functional considerations. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 33(6 Suppl. 2):199-208. PMID: 32338474.
A. Pitino, F. Gianfreda, A. Dolci, E. Fossati, G. Voghera, P. Bollero, M. Gargari, D. Karimi, M. Martelli. A Step-by-step technical report on the novel “PREMADE protocol” for fabricating acrylic provisional protheses for all-on-4® treatment concept. Oral and Implantology, Vol. 16 No. 3 (2024), 133-139. https://doi.org/10.11138/oi163133-139
Barlattani A Jr, Martelli M, Ceruso FM, Gargari M, Ottria L. Convergent implant transmucosal collar and healing abutment: aesthetics influence on soft tissues. A clinical study. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2020 Jan -Feb;34(1 Suppl. 1):63 - 69. DENTAL SUPPLEMENT. PMID: 32064837.
Ceruso FM, Ottria L, Martelli M, Gargari M, Barlattani A Jr. Transgingival implants with a convergent collar (PRAMA); surgical and screwed prosthetic approach. A case report. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2020 Jan-Feb;34(1 Suppl. 1):71-77. DENTAL SUPPLEMENT. PMID: 32064838.
Di Vecchio S, Manzini P, Candida E, Gargari M. (2019) Froggy mouth: a new myofunctional approach to atypical swallowing. Eur J Paediatr Dent. 20(1):33-37. doi:10.23804/ejpd.2019.20.01.07.
M. Martelli, W. Russomanno, S. Di Vecchio, P. Bollero, M. Gargari, L. Ottria, F. Gianfreda. Myofunctional therapy in occlusal and oro-facial disorders: multidisciplinary approach.Oral and Implantology Vol. 16 No. 3 (2024), 153-155. https://doi.org/10.11138/oi163153-155
Yamamoto, T., & Kato, R. (2012). Effects of orthodontic treatment on atypical swallowing. Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, 46(9), 550-555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcorth.2012.07.005
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mirko Martelli, Wanda Lelia Russomanno, Stefano Di Vecchio, Beatrice Dapei, Marco Gargari, Patrizio Bollero, Alessandro Dolci, Liliana Ottria, Francesco Gianfreda