Tongue thrust

Swallowing occurs 24 hours per day and about 2000 times each day. Each time you swallow, one to six pounds of pressure is applied to the inside structures of the mouth. Normally when a person swallows, the middle section of the tongue is placed on the roof of the mouth. When the tongue is placed between and behind the teeth, this pressure pushes the teeth apart and out, causing distortions of the face and teeth. This abnormal swallowing motion is known as "tongue thrust." This condition is most common in children with prior severe thumb sucking habits.

Myofunctional therapy (with a speech therapist) is a popular method of treating tongue thrust. In severe cases, a special appliance may be prescribed with or without braces. The appliance is clear and has two heavy wires curving back onto the roof of the mouth behind the upper front teeth. These wires do not interfere with the tongue as long as the tongue is in the proper swallowing position. If the mouth is opened during the swallow (tongue thrust position), the motion brings down the wires into the path of the tongue and the thrusting motion is prevented. The appliance may also be used in combination with vertical elastic bands to again reinforce the habit.

As with any orthodontic therapy, the earlier a problem is detected, the less time is required for treatment. If you suspect your child (or yourself!) is a tongue thruster, be sure to let your orthodontist know as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many parents fail to recognize the importance of correcting tongue thrust while the child is still young, and the problem goes unnoticed for years. When this occurs, the length required for treatment increases and the child's self-esteem can be lowered.The problem can usually be repaired in a small child in under two years. It is important, however, that both the parent and patient strictly comply with the treatment prescribed by the doctor.