Tongue thrust is a common oral habit where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during activities like swallowing, speaking, or even at rest. This condition, also known as an orofacial myofunctional disorder, involves an atypical pattern of tongue movement. Addressing tongue thrust is important for overall oral health and development.
What is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust involves the incorrect positioning of the tongue, where it pushes forward against the back or between the upper and lower front teeth. Normally, during swallowing, the tongue should elevate towards the roof of the mouth, propelling food backward. With tongue thrust, the tongue moves forward instead, creating pressure on the teeth. This can lead to noticeable signs such as an open bite, where the front teeth do not meet, or protruding front teeth.
Individuals with tongue thrust may also exhibit speech impediments, most commonly a lisp, particularly affecting “s” and “z” sounds, where the tongue protrudes. Mouth breathing can also be a sign, often due to the tongue resting in a low, forward position. Untreated tongue thrust can impact dental alignment, potentially causing misaligned teeth and affecting facial development, and it can also hinder proper speech development.
Identifying Tongue Thrust
Recognizing the signs of tongue thrust is the first step towards professional evaluation. Visible tongue protrusion between the teeth during swallowing or speech, an inability to fully close the lips at rest, or a persistent lisp are common indicators. Parents might also notice messy eating habits or an open bite where the front teeth do not make contact. These observations suggest a need for a professional assessment.
Several types of professionals can diagnose tongue thrust, including orthodontists, dentists, and speech-language pathologists, especially those specializing in orofacial myofunctional therapy. The diagnostic process typically involves a thorough evaluation of oral structures, observation of swallowing patterns, and a comprehensive speech assessment. This multidisciplinary approach helps pinpoint the precise cause and severity of the tongue thrust, guiding the development of a tailored treatment plan.
Professional Treatment Options
Myofunctional therapy is a primary and effective treatment for tongue thrust. This therapy focuses on retraining the tongue and facial muscles to achieve proper resting posture, correct swallowing patterns, and improved speech. A certified orofacial myofunctional therapist guides patients through specific exercises designed to strengthen oral muscles and establish new habits for tongue placement. These exercises aim to teach the tongue to rest in the correct position against the roof of the mouth and to move backward during swallowing.
Orthodontic interventions often complement myofunctional therapy, particularly when dental alignment issues have arisen from tongue thrust. Orthodontists may use appliances such as tongue cribs or habit breakers, which are designed to physically deter the tongue from pushing forward against the teeth. These devices help guide the tongue into a more appropriate position, supporting the retraining efforts. Orthodontic treatment can correct dental malocclusions like open bites or protruding teeth that result from the consistent pressure of the tongue.
Speech therapy also plays a role, especially when tongue thrust has led to articulation difficulties. Speech-language pathologists work on correcting specific speech impediments, such as lisps, that are directly caused by improper tongue placement during sound production. They utilize articulation exercises to help individuals achieve clear and accurate pronunciation of affected sounds. This combined approach ensures that both the underlying muscle dysfunction and its resulting speech and dental issues are addressed comprehensively.
Supporting Therapy at Home
Consistency in practicing specific exercises at home significantly supports professional therapy for tongue thrust. These exercises aim to reinforce correct tongue posture and swallowing patterns learned during therapy sessions.
One common exercise involves placing the tip of the tongue on “the spot” behind the upper front teeth and maintaining that position. This helps train the tongue to rest correctly against the palate, rather than pushing forward.
Another beneficial practice is the “sip swallow,” where one holds a small amount of water in the mouth, keeps the tongue against the roof of the mouth, and swallows without moving the tongue forward. This drill helps retrain the tongue to move upward and backward during swallowing, preventing it from thrusting against the teeth. Practicing lip closure, such as holding a piece of paper or a button between the lips without using the teeth, can also strengthen the oral muscles and encourage proper resting posture. Regular repetition of these simple exercises helps to establish new, healthier oral habits over time. Consistent home practice is crucial for reinforcing the new muscle memory and achieving lasting results.