The trouble with tongue thrust (and what to do about it)
Modern orthodontics is about so much more than braces and correcting crowded or crooked teeth. This highly specialized branch of dentistry is dedicated to resolving a variety of imbalances, deficiencies, and anomalies rooted in the oral cavity and its associated structures and tissues. In fact, orthodontists like Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen ofMission Viejo, California, provide an array of diagnostic and therapeutic services to identify and resolve many anomalies and dysfunctions early in childhood. These problems, when intervened with early on, can set your child on a healthy path. With interceptive or early therapy, development is supported during their critical formative years.
Tongue thrust
Airway imbalances may be rooted in the very orofacial structures and tissues that Dr. Nissen assesses and treats. These deficiencies can lead to many complications, including tongue thrust. This condition is characterized by a tongue that protrudes too far forward in the mouth.
There are a number of potential “red flags” for tongue thrust, such as:
- Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose
- A tongue whose tip is highly visible between the teeth at all times, regardless of whether the mouth is at rest or not
- Difficulty bringing the lips together completely
- An open bite, whereby the teeth do not come together when biting down
- Lisps or other speech impediments
- Problems with eating, such as chewing too slowly or fast or in a messy manner
Also known as “reverse or immature swallow,” tongue thrust is commonly characterized as an orofacial muscular imbalance. This behavioral pattern involves the tongue protruding through the front teeth when swallowing, speaking, or when the tongue is at rest. While almost all infants will display such a protruding tongue when swallowing, usually by around six months of age, this reflex is lost. The loss of this swallowing pattern can then allow for functions such as the proper ingestion of solid foods. This is a common condition that affects many school-aged children; for instance, recent medical literature notes that as many as 67% to 95% of children aged five to eight years exhibit tongue thrust.
In addition to tongue thrust representing a complication of other imbalances, it can also give rise to other complications. These complications include orthodontic problems (tooth and jaw misalignment) and issues mentioned above with pronouncing words correctly or clearly. Kids can outgrow this issue. However, if the pattern is not resolved and continues beyond the age of four, it may be carried into adulthood and this behavior can worsen.
Schedule an assessment today!
The first step toward effective treatment is a clear and accurate understanding of the underlying problem. SHN Orthodontics may recommend specialized exercises to correct swallowing behaviors or other patterns as needed. As a specialty orthodontics practice, we also have a wide range of appliances and devices at our fingertips in Mission Viejo, CA, to potentially correct bite issues associated with tongue thrust. We will not know the most appropriate course of action until after we meet with you or your child. So, call us today at (949) 830-4101.
