Tongue Thrust Intervention

A tongue thrust, also known as an immature or reverse swallowing pattern, occurs when the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or at rest. While tongue thrust is normal in infants, it should transition to a mature swallowing pattern as a child grows. Persistent tongue thrust can exert significant force on the teeth, potentially contributing to dental malocclusion, anterior open bite, and orthodontic relapse.

Tongue thrust may be caused or maintained by factors such as prolonged bottle or pacifier use, thumb sucking habits, chronic mouth breathing due to allergies or enlarged tonsils, a restricted lingual frenulum, and habitual open mouth posture. The connection between tongue thrust and dental alignment makes early identification and treatment important, particularly before or during orthodontic intervention.

Speech-language pathologists trained in orofacial myofunctional therapy provide tongue thrust intervention through a structured program of exercises that retrain the tongue to rest in the correct position on the palate and move properly during swallowing. Treatment also addresses associated habits such as mouth breathing and thumb sucking, and is often coordinated with orthodontic care for optimal outcomes.