This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of atypical (dysfunctional) swallowing in an adult population affected by periodontitis. The research investigates the correlation between dysfunctional swallowing patterns - characterized by abnormal tongue thrust-and clinical oral manifestations such as dental mobility and the worsening of periodontal conditions. By analyzing data collected through patient questionnaires and clinical evaluations, the study seeks to highlight how incorrect lingual posture and pressure can negatively influence the integrity of the tooth-supporting tissues in adults.

The study aims to investigate whether atypical swallowing acts as a "secondary occlusal trauma," which exacerbates periodontal damage in tissues already compromised by inflammation.

Data Collection: Patients are screened using a specific questionnaire to detect "vicious habits" (e.g., thumb sucking, lip biting) and respiratory issues (e.g., mouth breathing due to deviated septum or adenoid hypertrophy) that contribute to incorrect lingual posture.

Clinical Indicators: The study monitors several oral manifestations associated with tongue thrust, including the formation of an anterior open bite, diastemas, localized calculus accumulation, and gingival recessions.Clinical Implications: The research explores how the lack of physiological palatal expansion and low tongue posture can lead to a narrow "ogival" palate and subsequent occlusal instability. The results are intended to validate the importance of a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach - involving dental hygienists, orthodontists, and speech therapists- to improve the long-term prognosis of periodontal therapy and prevent orthodontic relapses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age over 18
• periodontal patients
• informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• age under 18
• inability to understand and want
• the language barrier such as to prevent full understanding of the questionnaire
• any problems with surgical resection of the tongue
• the lack of dental elements in the frontal sectors (in particular 2° and 5° sextant) or the presence of unrehabilitated edentulous saddles in those areas
• absence of radiographic documentation
• non-periodontal patients
• failure to consent to the study

Periodontal patients belonging to the dentistry department of the Policlinico Umberto I