What causes tongue thrusting in adults?

What causes tongue thrust? Tongue thrust can occur for a plethora of reasons but develops most often due to frequent sucking of the thumb or fingers, or to compensate for the range of motion caused by a tongue-tie.

When should I worry about Tongue thrust?

When tongue thrust stops naturally in babies, it’s often considered an appropriate time to begin introducing solid foods. If tongue thrusting continues after the age of 4 it can begin to cause problematic orthodontic issues such as an open bite (when the front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed).

Is tongue thrusting a disorder?

What is tongue thrust? Tongue thrust is a forward position of the tongue during rest, and a thrust against or between the teeth during swallowing and speech. A tongue thrust condition is sometimes called an orofacial (mouth and face) myofunctional (muscle function) disorder (OMD).

Why do I keep pushing my tongue against my teeth?

Aside from the pressure exerted while swallowing, nervous thrusting also pushes the tongue against the teeth while it is at rest. This is an involuntary, subconscious habit that is difficult to correct.

What does tongue thrust look like?

Tongue thrust has a number of telltale signs that manifest in children who have developed the pattern. These can include: The tongue is visible between the teeth. The tip of the tongue sticks out between the teeth, whether the child is resting, swallowing, or speaking.

How do you stop tongue thrusting?

Press the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, so that it’s pushing against the gum just behind your upper front teeth. Bite your teeth together in your regular bite, keeping your lips apart. Swallow. Remember to keep your teeth together and your lips apart while swallowing.

How do adults fix tongue thrusting?

The most successful treatment for both children and adults is orofacial myology. This form of therapy corrects the placement of the lips, jaw and tongue which leads to correction of swallowing habits and open mouth. If treated, tongue thrust has a high success rate!

Does tongue thrust go away?

In infancy, tongue thrust is a natural reflex that happens when something touches the baby’s mouth. This reflex causes the tongue to push out to help the baby breast or bottle-feed. As the child gets older, their swallowing habits naturally change and this reflex goes away.

How can adults stop tongue thrusting?

How to Stop a Tongue Thrust at Home

1. Place a sugar-free lifesaver on the tip of your tongue.
2. Press the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, so that it’s pushing against the gum just behind your upper front teeth.
3. Bite your teeth together in your regular bite, keeping your lips apart.
4. Swallow.

How do you get rid of tongue thrust?

Treatment. Treatment options for tongue thrust may include orthodontic spikes, prongs or other tongue reminders, which redirect the tongue rest posture and swallow. Orofacial myofunctional therapists teach oral rest posture and chewing/swallowing mechanics without appliances.

Can tongue thrust be corrected?

In addition to swallowing therapy, you or your child might require speech therapy to correct any impediments that may have developed as a result of tongue thrusting. Consistently following weekly therapy recommendations, tongue thrust may be corrected over time.

Should you consider a tongue crib for your child?

You may want to consider a tongue crib if your older child still sucks their thumb or fingers. This behavior can lead to problems in their teeth, jaw, skeleton, and muscles. A tongue crib can help them stop the habit as well as correct damage the behavior has caused to their mouth.

Is your child’s tongue thrusting?

In children, tongue thrusting often produces speech problems or the child often has an open mouth with the tongue resting against the teeth. It might look as if your child’s tongue is too big for their mouth. Mouth breathing in those without allergies or nasal problems can also be an indication of tongue thrusting.

How do Orthodontists treat tongue thrusting problems?

Ok, now onto the matter of how orthodontists treat tongue thrusting problems. A tongue crib is a custom orthodontic appliance used to help combat habits like tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. Whenever a dental health professional determines that a child needs a tongue crib, they will provide you with one.

What is tongue thrust and how does it affect your teeth?

Tongue thrust affects how you speak, eat, and swallow. Since tongue thrust causes the tongue to push against the back of your front teeth, it could cause misalignment or gaps to appear over time. The gradual movement could require orthodontic treatment to realign your smile.