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WHAT IS TONGUE THRUSTING AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE BITE?
January 25, 2024
WHAT IS TONGUE THRUSTING?
Tongue thrusting is the protrusion of the tongue between the teeth while swallowing or speaking. Quite normal in babies while feeding.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TONGUE THRUSTING
- Incorrect swallowing pattern
- Open Bite in which the front teeth do not overlap when the teeth are closed
- Larger than normal tongue
WHAT IS TONGUE THRUSTING?
Tongue thrusting is the protrusion of the tongue between the teeth while swallowing or speaking. Quite normal in babies while feeding.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TONGUE THRUSTING
- Incorrect swallowing pattern
- Open Bite in which the front teeth do not overlap when the teeth are closed
- Larger than normal tongue
LONG TERM EFFECTS OF TONGUE THRUSTING
- Open Bite
- "Overbite" - teeth and upper jaw stick out
- Elongated facial structure due to open bite
- Speech problems such as lisping when certain letters are pronounced
- Inability to bite into foods because of the position of the front teeth
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH A TONGUE THRUST
- Have your child evaluated by your Orthodontist or Pediatrician to help to determine the underlying cause
- If the child is younger, with a clean finger you may touch the tongue and the child should instinctively pull the tongue inside the mouth; and very gently remind them to keep their tongue in the mouth.
- When old enough to understand, simply remind the child to keep their tongue inside the mouth.
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT OF THE ACTUAL HABIT
- The underlying cause of the tongue thrust must be determined and treated
- As an Orthodontist I have successfully treated this habit using trusted techniques.
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF TONGUE THRUSTING
- Orthodontic Treatment by age 7 becomes necessary if the tongue thrust habit persists, because it will affect your child's bite. The ultimate goal of early treatment is to impact growth and development of the jaws and the face BEFORE growth ends. The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome.
- Speech therapy may be needed during or after Orthodontic treatment to address any issues with speech. Although I have seen speech issues corrected once the bite is fixed.
- If this habit is left untreated and growth ends, there may have been a negative impact on the actual facial development, resulting in the possible need for surgical correction later on in life.
CONCLUSION
As this blog suggests, oral habits like tongue thrusting left untreated can have not only a negative impact on facial development, but a permanent one. Issues with the bite and speech can be addressed by the Orthodontist with the possible assistance of a Speech therapist, but if the facial development is impacted and growth ends, surgical intervention may be your only solution.
Early Orthodontic Treatment is truly a gift. Remember, an Orthodontic visit by age 7 can truly help.
Thanks for visiting and we will see you in our next blog....
Written by
Dr. Martine A. DeCambre, BSc, BSN, DDS
Orthodontist and Dentofacial Orthopedist
Owner Braces For Us 2.0
"A beautiful smile speaks volumes"
-Dr. DeCambre
REFERENCES
Profitt WR, Mason RM: Myofunctional therapy for tongue thrusting: background and recommendations, JADA 90: 403-411, 1975.
Profitt WR: Contemporary Orthodontics (3rd. Ed.), St. Louis, 2000, Mosby.
McDonald RE, Avery DR (6th Ed.), St. Louis, 1994, Mosby.
This blog is for educational purposes only. Please seek professional help to address concerns.