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Questions and Answers
What is the condition of the tongue in infants?
Why does salivation begin to increase with teething in infants?
What is the function of the salivary glands in infants?
What characterizes the oral cavity of infants?
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Why is there insufficient saliva in the first months of life for infants?
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Study Notes
Condition of the Tongue in Infants
- The infant tongue is typically large relative to the mouth, which aids in breastfeeding.
- It has a smooth texture with a pinkish hue, often covered with a fine white coating.
Increase in Salivation with Teething
- Salivation rises significantly during teething as a natural response to discomfort.
- Increased irritation in the gums stimulates salivary glands, promoting saliva production.
Function of Salivary Glands in Infants
- Salivary glands help to moisten food, facilitating easier swallowing.
- They play a role in enzyme production, aiding in the initial digestion of food.
Characteristics of the Oral Cavity in Infants
- The oral cavity is relatively small, which influences feeding and swallowing techniques.
- It contains no teeth initially, providing a smooth environment for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.
Insufficient Saliva in Early Life
- Infants have underdeveloped salivary glands, resulting in limited saliva production.
- Saliva production gradually increases as the infant matures and begins consuming solid foods.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the digestive system and learn about the peculiarities of the oral cavity in infants with this quiz. Explore the anatomy of the digestive tract and its accessory organs while delving into specific characteristics of infant oral cavity development.
