Tongue thrust is a term used to describe a swallowing pattern in which an individual pushes the tongue against the teeth. This motion can be forward or lateral. The habit has also been referred to as deviate swallow, deviant deglutition, reversed swallow, perverted swallow, oral myofunctional disorder, visceral swallow, infantile swallowing pattern, and abnormal swallow. Tongue thrust is essentially the persistence of an infantile swallowing pattern into late childhood or beyond.
If left untreated, a tongue thrust can contribute to breathing and speech difficulties, open bite, and protruded teeth. Treatment can involve early diagnosis, addressing underlying causes such as a tongue tie, correcting tongue posture, and working with a myofunctional therapist to evaluate facial muscle tone and retrain the necessary muscles to eliminate the habit. In the past, orthodontists attempted to break the habit using appliances, such as a tongue crib. However, this often led to the reappearance of tongue thrust over time due to the long-standing muscle patterns and habits that had already been established. The muscles in the face and mouth are programmed over many years, making breaking the habit, long term, very challenging. Orofacial myofunctional therapists are skilled at helping children and adults strengthen the muscles needed to overcome tongue thrust, ensuring lasting improvement in swallowing, breathing, and oral function.
