Tongue thrust occurs when the tongue presses too far forward in one’s mouth. It can occur in both children and adults. Despite the fact that it is a treatable issue, it can cause issues with eating and your speech. If you or your child have been diagnosed with the condition you may wonder, what is tongue thrusting?
What Is Tongue Thrusting?
Below you will find more information on tongue thrusting and what treatment options are available.
Tongue Thrusting in Babies
Tongue thrusting results in an orthodontic condition called “open bite.” Now, tongue thrusting is most common in children and can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor swallowing habits, tongue-tie, or allergies. The condition is normal in babies who are breast or bottle-fed. Oftentimes the baby grows out of the condition resulting in more normal speech and swallowing patterns. However, some babies do not outgrow the condition and it follows them into their early childhood years.
Tongue thrust has a number of clear symptoms in children who did not outgrow the issue as a baby. Talk with a dental professional if your child has one or more of the following symptoms.
- Inability to fully close their lips
- Their tongue is visible between their teeth
- They have an open bite
- They breathe through their mouth
- Also, they have really slow, fast, or messy eating habits (beyond what is normal for a child their age)
- Issues with their speech (specifically with “s” and “z” sounds)
Tongue Thrusting in Adults
Tongue thrust in adults is less common, but it does occur. Adults with tongue-thrust may have developed the condition due to chronic allergies, chronic stress, or swelling of the adenoids and tonsils. Tongue thrust can also occur due to an abnormally large tongue or an elongated facial structure. The symptoms of tongue thrust in adults are similar to children and should be addressed by a dental professional as soon as possible.
Untreated Tongue Thrust Issues
Untreated tongue thrust can affect how children’s teeth develop and cause issues with speech and eating in adults. This is why it should be addressed as soon as possible. Tongue thrust can impact your teeth every time you swallow, which is often as you likely swallow between 1 to 2 thousand times each day. Untreated tongue thrust also puts pressure on your teeth and can cause malocclusion (later in life), or a large gap in your bottom and top teeth. A malocclusion is the misalignment of the teeth between the upper and lower dental arches when they touch (specifically when you close your jaw). These issues can make eating and speaking very difficult.
Tongue Thrust Treatment
Tongue thrust is a highly treatable condition. Treatment options for children and adults are often similar. However, an orthodontic device referred to as a “tongue crib” is often used in children. The device is placed on the roof of a child’s mouth and helps correct the tongue thrusting. Adults have had success with orthodontic treatment, but it’s important to consult with your orthodontist to assess your unique condition. Tongue thrust care in LA is vital in addressing the issue and is an effective treatment option. For adolescents or adults who have had dental issues, such as gaps or misaligned teeth, dental braces in Los Angeles can help address the issues caused by tongue thrust.
If you are concerned you may have tongue thrust, contact a dental professional. Tongue thrust can often be diagnosed during a routine visit. From there the orthodontist can help you identify the cause of the issue and work on a treatment plan. Contact the team at The Best Brace Place for a consultation. Their team has helped countless patients restore their dental health, including treatment for tongue thrust.
