Final answer:
Non-functioning salivary glands in a child will affect their ability to eat and digest food due to the absence of saliva, which aids in digestion and oral health. They might face difficulties chewing and swallowing food, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies and consistent medical care is crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a child is born with non-functioning salivary glands, it will significantly impact their eating habits and digestion. Salivary glands secrete saliva, which contains enzymes like amylase that play a crucial role in starting the digestion of food. Saliva also acts as a lubricant, making it easier to chew and swallow food smoothly. Without functioning salivary glands, the child might have difficulty processing and swallowing food, leading to potential choking hazards and nutritional deficiencies.
Moreover, the lack of saliva can lead to oral health issues, as saliva helps to wash away food particles and decrease bacterial growth. As such, the child might experience more frequent dental problems and gastrointestinal discomfort. In such cases, medical intervention and dietary adjustments will be necessary.
Possible reasons for the non-functioning salivary glands discussed include immune system disorders where antibodies wrongly target the body's own proteins within the salivary glands (autoimmunity), or infections caused by pathogens. In any case, it is imperative to receive a proper diagnosis and medical attention to manage this condition effectively.