Tongue thrust is the pushing of the tongue against the teeth while swallowing or at rest. The average person swallows 2000 - 4000 times per day and exerts pressure with each swallow. This can push the teeth out of alignment and may cause distorted speech sounds.
Tongue (abnormal swallow) thrusting is the abnormal habit of placing the tongue between the teeth before and during the act of swallowing. During a normal swallow, the mid-tongue should be placed on the roof of the mouth, not between the teeth. Placing the tongue between the teeth pushes the teeth apart and out. Tongue (abnormal swallow) thrust and abnormal facial muscle habits are all part of a complex myofunctional environment which produce many of the problems associated with orthodontics and braces.
Unless we successfully treat the myofunctional problems, orthodontic treatment will be much more likely to fail. Swallowing occurs 24 hours per day and about 2000 times per day. During each swallow, the tongue can exert momentary pressures of 1 to 6 pounds on the surrounding structures of the mouth. This pressure will push the teeth and bone forward or apart. An abnormal swallow will move teeth into abnormal positions and cause growth distortions of the face and teeth. During an abnormal swallow: the tongue is between the front teeth, the lower lip is licked prior to the swallow and the lower lip is usually swollen, red, and cracked due to constant licking. There is pursing of the lower lip and chin during the swallow. The abnormal swallow pushes the upper teeth forward and keeps them apart in the front of the mouth, causing an open bite.
An abnormal swallowing pattern is associated with:
What Causes Tongue Thrust?
What Associated Oral Behaviors May Be Present?
Tongue thrust often results in an open bite and/or "buck" teeth. If a person is swallowing incorrectly, it will be difficult to maintain the full orthodontic result: the tongue will continue to affect the overall jaw development as well as the tooth alignment. Therefore, it is important to correct the tongue thrust before braces are removed.
What treatment is appropriate?
Based on the findings of the evaluation, a customized Tongue Thrust Therapy Program will be recommended.
What does this Program do?
Train the muscles necessary for a good swallow and correct resting posture
Teach the correct swallow Make the correct swallow a habit
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