Tongue Thrust in Adults: Why Your Teeth Keep Shifting (And What You Can Do About It) by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP

If you’re an adult who had braces years ago — and your teeth are shifting again — you may have been told:

“Your tongue is pushing.”

And you may have wondered…What does that even mean?

Tongue thrust in adults is more common than most people realize.It often goes undiagnosed for years.And yes — it can absolutely be corrected.

At All Island Speech and Stuttering Therapy, I work virtually with adults across multiple states who are frustrated with orthodontic relapse, jaw tension, or swallowing patterns that don’t feel right.

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Is Tongue Thrust?

Tongue thrust (also called an orofacial myofunctional disorder) is a swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth instead of resting on the roof of the mouth.

A typical adult swallow looks like this:

• The tongue rests gently on the palate (roof of the mouth)

• The teeth are lightly together

• The lips stay relaxed

• There is no visible facial strain

With tongue thrust:

• The tongue presses forward into or against the front teeth

• The lips tighten to assist the swallow

• The jaw may shift forward

• The tongue often sits low in the mouth at rest

Here’s what most people don’t realize:

You swallow 1,000–2,000 times per day.

That repetitive forward pressure can absolutely move teeth over time.

Signs of Tongue Thrust in Adults

Many adults don’t know they have tongue thrust until a dentist or orthodontist points it out.

You might notice:

• Teeth shifting after braces or Invisalign

• An open bite or spacing that keeps returning

• Subtle speech distortions (especially on S, Z, T, D, N, L sounds)

• Jaw tension or TMJ discomfort

• Mouth breathing

• Needing to purse your lips to swallow

• Feeling your tongue press against your front teeth

Common things I hear from adults:

“I had braces twice.”“My orthodontist says my tongue keeps pushing.”“My retainer isn’t holding.”

They’re usually right.

Why Does Tongue Thrust Continue Into Adulthood?

Tongue thrust is a muscle habit.

Common contributing factors include:

• Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use in childhood

• Chronic mouth breathing

• Allergies or airway issues

• Tongue tie (restricted tongue mobility)

• Long-standing oral muscle compensation patterns

Even if the original cause is long gone, the habit often remains.

The tongue is a strong muscle.If it has practiced pushing forward for years, it will continue — unless it is retrained.

How Tongue Thrust Affects Adults

1. Orthodontic Relapse

If the tongue presses forward thousands of times per day, teeth can gradually shift — even after braces.

2. Jaw and Facial Tension

Forward tongue posture can contribute to:

• TMJ discomfort

• Jaw clicking

• Facial muscle strain

• Headaches

3. Speech Clarity

Many adults compensate well, but subtle imprecision may remain.

4. Breathing Patterns

Low tongue posture is often associated with mouth breathing, which can impact sleep and oral health.

Can Adults Fix Tongue Thrust?

Yes — and adults often make excellent progress.

Through structured myofunctional therapy, we retrain:

• Proper tongue resting posture

• Efficient swallow pattern

• Lip stability

• Nasal breathing

• Coordinated oral muscle function

Therapy is focused, practical, and goal-oriented.

Because sessions are virtual, adults appreciate the convenience and privacy. You can do this from your home or office — no commute required.

What Therapy Looks Like

Adult tongue thrust therapy is not random exercises.

It is:

• A clear evaluation

• A personalized plan

• Guided muscle retraining

• Accountability and follow-through

Small changes in muscle pattern create long-term stability.

When the tongue rests where it should, pressure on the teeth decreases dramatically.

Why Address It Now?

If you are investing in orthodontics, dental health, or jaw comfort, it makes sense to address the underlying muscle pattern.

Otherwise, the tongue may continue to undo the work.

Correcting tongue thrust is not cosmetic — it is functional.

And it is never “too late.”

Virtual Tongue Thrust Therapy for Adults

I provide virtual tongue thrust therapy for adults across multiple states.

If you have:

• Ongoing orthodontic relapse

• Jaw tension

• A forward tongue posture

• Or concerns raised by your dentist or orthodontist

You don’t have to ignore it.

Schedule a consultation to determine whether tongue thrust therapy is appropriate for you.

Visit:www.allislandspeech.com

Email:Lori@allislandspeech.com

Phone:516-776-0184