How to stop tongue thrusting

Harrison Clayton August 13, 2023 2

Tongue thrusting, also known as orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD), is a habit in which the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing or at rest. This habit can cause dental problems, such as misaligned teeth or an open bite, and may also affect speech and swallowing functions.

It’s important to address and correct tongue thrusting, especially in children, as early intervention can prevent serious dental and aesthetic issues in the future. This article will explore effective strategies and exercises to help stop tongue thrusting and promote proper oral function.

Treatment for tongue thrusting typically involves a combination of therapeutic exercises and behavior modification techniques. These techniques are designed to retrain the muscles and promote proper positioning and function of the tongue.

Keep in mind that overcoming tongue thrusting may take time and persistence, but with the right strategies and guidance, it is possible to correct this habit and improve oral health. Let’s delve into some effective approaches for stopping tongue thrusting.

What Causes Tongue Thrusting?

Tongue thrusting, also known as immature swallowing, is a common condition that affects both children and adults. It refers to the behavior where the tongue pushes forward against the front teeth when swallowing, speaking, or even at rest. There are several factors that can cause tongue thrusting:

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Oral habits: Thumb sucking, prolonged use of pacifiers, and inappropriate bottle or breastfeeding techniques can lead to tongue thrusting. These habits can affect the normal positioning of the tongue and the development of the jaw muscles, which in turn can result in tongue thrusting.
Malocclusion: Misalignment of the teeth, also known as malocclusion, is a common cause of tongue thrusting. When there is a discrepancy in the bite, the tongue may naturally assume a forward position to compensate, leading to tongue thrusting.
Allergies and nasal congestion: Breathing difficulties caused by allergies or nasal congestion can result in tongue thrusting. When the nose is congested, individuals may breathe through their mouth, impacting the tongue posture and causing it to thrust forward.
Tongue tie: Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tongue is abnormally attached to the floor of the mouth. Tongue tie can restrict the normal movement and function of the tongue, increasing the likelihood of tongue thrusting.
Genetics: Some genetic factors may contribute to tongue thrusting. Certain individuals may have inherited traits that affect the positioning and functioning of their tongue, causing them to thrust forward abnormally.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Tongue thrusting is a condition where a person pushes their tongue against the front teeth while speaking, swallowing, or at rest. Several factors can contribute to the development of tongue thrusting behavior:

Facial muscle weakness: Weakness or imbalance in the facial muscles can lead to abnormal tongue movements and tongue thrusting.
Mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can cause the tongue to rest in a low position and push forward during activities.
Thumb sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking can lead to tongue thrusting habits, as the thumbsucking motion often presses against the front teeth.
Tongue tie: Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue tie, is a condition where the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth by a short or thickened frenulum. This restriction can contribute to tongue thrusting.
Oral habits: Certain oral habits, such as self-soothing behaviors involving the tongue, can encourage tongue thrusting.
Malocclusion: Misalignment of the teeth, jaws, or bite can cause tongue thrusting as the tongue tries to find a comfortable position.
Speech and language disorders: Tongue thrusting may be related to underlying speech or language disorders, where the tongue pushes forward as compensation for difficulties with oral-motor control.
Genetic factors: Some individuals may be more predisposed to tongue thrusting due to their genetic makeup.

Tongue thrusting can be a complex condition with multiple potential causes. Identifying the underlying factors contributing to tongue thrusting is crucial in the development of an effective treatment plan.

How to Identify Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting is a condition whereby the tongue pushes forward against the front teeth when swallowing, speaking, or at rest. This can lead to various issues such as tooth misalignment, speech difficulties, and even breathing problems.

Understanding the Causes

There are several reasons why tongue thrusting may occur. It can be due to hereditary factors or oral habits developed during childhood, like thumb sucking or consistently breathing through the mouth. Poor swallowing patterns can also contribute to tongue thrusting.

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Recognizing the Symptoms

Some common signs of tongue thrusting include:

Dental problems such as an open bite, overbite, or crossbite
Speech difficulties, including lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds like “s” or “z”
Frequent mouth breathing
Tongue resting against the front teeth

If you suspect that you or someone you know may be experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult with a dental professional or speech therapist for a proper diagnosis.

Effective Ways to Stop Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting can be a challenging habit to break, but with dedication and the right techniques, it is possible to stop tongue thrusting. Here are some effective methods that can help:


1. Myofunctional therapy	Myofunctional therapy involves exercises that target the muscles and movements involved in tongue thrusting. A myofunctional therapist can provide guidance and personalized exercises to help retrain the tongue and promote proper swallowing mechanics.
2. Oral appliances	Oral appliances, such as tongue cribs or tongue retaining devices, can help discourage tongue thrusting by keeping the tongue in the correct position. These devices can be custom-made and fitted by a dentist or orthodontist. Waterproof Vibrate Sucking and Licking Clitorial Toy for Women Adullt Toys Bullet Vibrartor Oral Tongue G Spotter Stimulator Six Toy for Women Thrusting Tshirt £39.99 Check Price Amazon.co.uk Amazon price updated: October 2, 2024 4:57 am
3. Behavior modification	Behavior modification techniques can be effective in stopping tongue thrusting. This may include techniques such as positive reinforcement, habit-reversal training, and keeping a diary to track progress and identify triggers for tongue thrusting.
4. Proper posture and breathing	Tongue thrusting can often be related to posture and breathing habits. Practicing good posture and proper breathing techniques can help address underlying issues that contribute to tongue thrusting.
5. Dental or orthodontic treatment	In some cases, dental or orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct tongue thrusting. This may involve the use of braces, a palatal expander, or other devices to help align the teeth and jaw properly.