Tongue Thrust

Tongue trusting is a habit. Some children develop an incorrect swallowing habit which induces significant changes in the appearance and function of their teeth. Often, orthodontic treatment is done with the aim or aligning the teeth to undo what the tongue has done. Initially it works, but if the tongue issue is not addressed, the orthodontic treatment relapses as soon as the patient discontinues using retainers.

Tongue Thrust Facts

• You swallow 2000 times each day
• The tongue exerts 1-6 pounds of pressures during each swallow
• When swallowing is abnormal, the tongue pushes the upper teeth forward and creates a space between the upper and lower teeth
• A significant number orthodontic patients exhibit some form of tongue trusting

Tongue Thrust results in abnormal swallowing which is are typically associated with the following:

• Mouth breathing
• An overdeveloped lower jaw
• Flaccid muscles of the lips and neck
• Chin muscles which contract when the lips touch
• Speech issues

What are the Causes?

• Thumb sucking or nail biting
• Mouth breathing
• Enlarge tonsils and adenoids
• Anatomical deficiencies

Treatment options

There are two specific treatment options available to correct tongue trusting. It involves the following two procedures:

• The use of an intraoral tongue guidance device which has to be used for 6 weeks
• The use of an exercise protocol

The success of the procedure is 100% dependent on patient cooperation and the age when it is instituted.

TONGUE THRUST VIDEOS

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