Early orofacial development.

Early orofacial development is a period of very rapid allometric growth and specialization of tissue. During the first three years of life, the brain achieves approximately 90% of its growth and the face reaches almost 65% of its adult size. Between birth and three years of age the oral cavity changes form and function, replacing gum pads with a dentition composed of twenty primary teeth. By three years of age, all succedaneous teeth are developing as well as the first permanent molars. Involvement with neonates and infants by neonatologists, pediatricians, and pediatric dentists begs a better appreciation of this rapidly changing period.