Maxillofacial and Oral Aspects of Dysphagia

Oral cavity/mouth is first recipient of food. Food is broken down and prepared for initial phases of digestion. The oral preparatory phase is voluntary. In this phase, food is manipulated by the tongue and teeth. A bolus which is ready to swallow is prepared. Any disruption of oral cavity functions commonly due to oral infections, space infections, facial trauma, congenital-cleft lip and palate, temporo-mandibular joint disorders, salivary gland pathology, oral cancers, radiation therapy, etc., can cause dysphagia. In this chapter, we would explain the maxillofacial and oral aspects of dysphagia along with diagnosis and treatment aspects.