If your child has been diagnosed with tongue thrust by their orthodontist or dentist, rest assured they are not alone. Tongue thrusting, a condition where the tongue presses against the teeth during swallowing or rests improperly in the mouth, is common among children. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 33% to 50% of school-aged children experience this condition.
At Crested Butte Dental, we understand the impact tongue thrust can have on oral health, and we are here to guide you through understanding and addressing this concern effectively with the help of myofunctional therapy.
What Is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust, sometimes referred to as a “reverse swallow,” occurs when the tongue pushes forward against the teeth instead of moving backward during swallowing. This improper tongue posture can lead to long-term issues, such as misaligned teeth, speech difficulties, and even breathing challenges.
During a proper swallow, the tongue rests on the bumpy ridge behind the upper front teeth (alveolar ridge) and pushes against the palate to move food or liquid back into the throat. In a tongue thrust, however, the tongue exerts pressure against the front teeth, often contributing to conditions like open bites or overbites.
Why Correcting Tongue Thrust Matters
Unchecked, tongue thrusting can result in:
- Malocclusions (e.g., overbite, underbite, or open bite)
- Speech articulation issues, such as lisps
- Orofacial structural challenges, impacting eating and breathing
- Potential long-term issues like TMJ pain or sleep apnea
Early intervention is key to preventing these complications and supporting your child’s long-term oral health.
What Causes Tongue Thrust?
Several factors can contribute to tongue thrust, including:
- Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use
- Blocked airways from allergies or enlarged tonsils, leading to mouth breathing
- Tongue tie or restricted tongue movement
- Poor muscle control in the face and oral structures
How Myofunctional Therapy at Crested Butte Dental Can Help
Our team at Crested Butte Dental offers myofunctional therapy, a non-invasive and evidence-based approach to correcting tongue thrust. Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth to function optimally.
During therapy, we target key areas such as:
- Improving tongue posture at rest
- Enhancing muscle strength and coordination for swallowing
- Encouraging nasal breathing over mouth breathing
- Supporting proper oral development
What to Expect
Our myofunctional therapist makes therapy engaging and child-friendly while providing an at-home exercise program to reinforce progress. With consistent practice, myofunctional therapy can address tongue thrusting and promote proper oral habits, contributing to a healthier smile and improved overall well-being.
Your Partner in Oral Health
At Crested Butte Dental, we are committed to delivering comprehensive care that extends beyond routine cleanings. If you suspect your child has a tongue thrust or have been referred by your orthodontist, contact us to schedule a consultation. Together, we can develop a personalized plan to support your child’s oral health journey.
Let Crested Butte Dental be your trusted partner in creating healthy smiles that last a lifetime!