Synopsis:

Prosthodontists engineer the oral environment. But our impact does not end here. This session reframes occlusion and mastication as sensorimotor inputs that inform swallowing. We’ll examine how trigeminal (CN V)–mediated cues, rhythmic chewing, saliva, and tongue–palate pressure prime brainstem and cortical networks for swallow initiation and efficiency. Through cases from edentulism to implant overdentures, we’ll connect vertical dimension, occlusal stability, and palatal design to swallow performance, and highlight hospital realities where dentures are undervalued. Attendees will leave with practical design and interdisciplinary strategies, as well as a clear rationale for early mastication to support neuroplastic recovery in dysphagia care.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how trigeminal afferents and masticatory rhythm interface with respiratory–swallow coupling and the swallow central pattern generator.
2. Evaluate how edentulism, partial edentulism, and errors in VDO/occlusal scheme alter salivation, tongue–palate pressure, timing, and effort of the swallow.
3.  Apply prosthodontic design choices (VDO, occlusal stability, palatal coverage, denture/overdenture retention) to preserve sensory input relevant to swallowing.
4. Formulate inpatient recommendations that prioritize denture use and coordinated care with the medical team to mitigate iatrogenic dysphagia risk.