Craniofacial dystrophy. A possible syndrome?

This article proposes a possible syndrome, craniofacial dystrophy (CFD), as one of the underlying causes of malocclusion and a range of other symptoms. These symptoms have seen a dramatic rise in the twentieth century, lack a clear aetiology and are currently treated symptomatically. Over the last 10,000 years there has been a progressive downswing in the anterior craniofacial structure (ACS), possibly due to a combination of changes in the masticatory effort and the posture of the tongue and the mandible. If the mouth is postured open and the muscles are weaker the face lengthens, a downswing, reducing the cross sectional area at the level of the oropharynx. This leads to less space for the tongue, the airway and the teeth, and is exacerbated by an increasingly evident 'suckling like' swallowing pattern. Changes in the shape of the ACS affect the functions for which this structure is responsible, leading to a range of symptoms, including malocclusion. Certain compensatory responses are possible to maintain these functions, primarily the airway. These vary between individuals, may be under genetic influence and may also influence the ACS and dentition, at times creating vicious cycles.