Tongue Thrust
What is a Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust is when the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth during swallowing or at rest. This pattern can affect speech and tooth alignment. In children, tongue thrust can also impact orthodontic development and overall oral growth.
Common signs:
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Lisping on “s” and “z”
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Tongue resting between the teeth
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Open bite or shifting teeth
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Mouth breathing or snoring
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Messy eating or drooling
Common causes:
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Prolonged pacifier or bottle use
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Thumb or finger sucking
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Open bite or shifting teeth
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Allergies, enlarged tonsils, or mouth breathing
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Delayed oral‑motor development
Why it matters:
Tongue thrust can push teeth out of alignment, making braces less effective or causing teeth to shift back after orthodontic treatment.
How treatment helps:
Myofunctional therapy teaches proper tongue posture and swallowing skills. Addressing breathing issues and eliminating oral habits supports long‑term stability for both speech and orthodontic results.
Adult Tongue Thrust
Adults can also have tongue thrust, often carried over from childhood or caused by mouth breathing, stress, or shifting teeth. It can lead to speech distortions, jaw tension, and orthodontic relapse. Myofunctional therapy helps retrain the tongue and supports stable dental alignment.
