What is “Thrust Tongue?”
Tongue thrust is when your tongue presses too far forward in your mouth. That might mean your tongue pushes against your teeth when you’re swallowing, speaking, or even when your mouth is at rest. It’s also known as an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD).
If you have a tongue thrust, it’s important to address it. The condition can cause significant problems with your teeth and mouth.
Tongue thrust in adults can affect your oral health, cause speech impediments, and even make swallowing difficult.
This article will cover the causes, symptoms, how doctors diagnose the condition, and the treatments and prevention methods available.
Understanding Tongue Thrust: Definition and Types
So, what exactly is tongue thrust?
In a person with tongue thrust, the tongue presses forward against the teeth, especially when swallowing, talking, or even just relaxing. While some tongue movement is normal, people with tongue thrust use excessive force, which can cause dental and speech issues.
Types of Tongue Thrust
There are several different kinds of tongue thrust, depending on which teeth the tongue pushes against.
- Anterior tongue thrust is when the tongue pushes forward against the front teeth. This is the most common type and can cause an open bite.
- Lateral tongue thrust is when the tongue pushes against the side teeth. This can cause crossbites or other types of misalignment.
- Complete tongue thrust is when the tongue pushes forward and out between the teeth when swallowing.
Recognizing the signs of tongue thrust in adults: Symptoms
How can you tell if you or someone you know has tongue thrust? Here are some of the signs and symptoms you might notice.
Dental Misalignment
One of the most noticeable signs of tongue thrust is how it affects the alignment of the teeth.
- Open bite. This is when there’s a gap between the upper and lower front teeth even when the mouth is closed. It’s a classic sign that the tongue is pushing forward.
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Tongue thrust can make existing bite problems even worse. You might also notice crooked, crowded, or spaced teeth.
Speech Difficulties
Tongue thrust can also affect the way you speak.
- Lisp. Some people with tongue thrust have trouble pronouncing “s” and “z” sounds.
- Imprecise articulation. You might notice general speech impediments related to where the tongue is placed when speaking.
Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia)
Because tongue thrust affects the way you swallow, it can sometimes lead to problems with swallowing.
- Difficulty swallowing. Food or liquid might get caught in your throat.
- Choking or gagging. These can happen if food or liquid goes down the wrong way.
Other Signs
Here are a few other things you might notice if you have tongue thrust:
- Mouth breathing. Especially during sleep.
- Tongue resting position. The tongue rests forward in the mouth, pressing against the teeth.
What causes tongue thrust in adults?
Tongue thrusting is more common in children than adults, but there are several reasons why an adult might develop it.
Persistent childhood habits
Sometimes, tongue thrust is simply a holdover from childhood.
- Thumb sucking. Sucking a thumb for many years can cause the tongue to press forward.
- Pacifier use. Like thumb sucking, extended pacifier use can lead to this condition.
- Bottle feeding. Continuing to use a bottle or sippy cup after a certain age can also contribute.
Anatomical factors
The shape and structure of your mouth, tongue, and face can play a role.
- Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). A short lingual frenulum (the membrane connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) can restrict tongue movement.
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can obstruct the airway, leading to mouth breathing.
- Narrow palate. A palate that’s narrower than usual can limit the amount of space the tongue has.
- Jaw misalignment. Existing problems with the jaw’s alignment can encourage tongue thrusting.
Oral motor dysfunction
Neurological conditions and muscle weakness can sometimes lead to tongue thrust.
- Neurological conditions. Conditions like cerebral palsy or Down syndrome can affect how well you control your tongue.
- Muscle weakness. Weakness in the tongue or facial muscles can also play a part.
Allergies
Allergies can cause nasal congestion, which leads to mouth breathing and, potentially, tongue thrust.
How does tongue thrust affect oral health?
Tongue thrust can have a wide-ranging impact on your mouth and your overall well-being. Some of the most common issues include:
- Malocclusion: This refers to any misalignment of your teeth. Tongue thrust can cause open bite (where your front teeth don’t meet), overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: The constant pressure from tongue thrust can strain the TMJ, leading to jaw pain, clicking, and popping.
- Increased Wear and Tear on Dental Appliances: If you wear braces, retainers, or dentures, tongue thrust can damage them.
- Speech Problems: Tongue thrust can make it difficult to articulate certain sounds, leading to unclear speech.
- Social and Psychological Impact: Many people with tongue thrust become self-conscious about their appearance and speech. This can lead to reduced self-esteem.
How is tongue thrust diagnosed?
Tongue thrust is usually diagnosed by a team of experts. Dentists, orthodontists, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) will work together to assess the problem.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Clinical Examination: This involves an assessment of your tongue, how you swallow, and how you speak.
- Dental Evaluation: A dentist will examine your teeth to look for alignment and bite problems.
- Speech and Language Assessment: An SLP will evaluate your articulation and how you swallow.
Effective Treatment Options for Tongue Thrust in Adults
If you’re an adult dealing with tongue thrust, several treatment approaches can help correct the issue and alleviate its related symptoms. Here are a few of the most common:
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the tongue and face. You’ll learn exercises that improve your tongue posture, swallowing technique, and even your speech. This type of therapy also addresses the underlying causes of tongue thrust, such as correcting mouth breathing or other contributing factors. Regular home exercises are a crucial part of myofunctional therapy.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy helps improve articulation and speech clarity, particularly if you have speech impediments related to tongue thrust. It can also include swallowing therapy, where you’ll learn techniques to improve your swallowing function.
Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances can be useful in preventing tongue thrust and correcting any dental misalignments that may have resulted from it. Here are a few examples:
- Tongue Crib: This device is designed to prevent the tongue from pushing against the teeth.
- Habit Correctors: These appliances discourage tongue thrusting habits.
- Braces or Invisalign: These can be used to correct dental misalignments after the tongue thrust issue has been addressed.
Combined Approach
For the best long-term results, many practitioners integrate myofunctional therapy with orthodontics. This approach corrects both the habit of tongue thrusting and any resulting dental misalignments.
How to prevent tongue thrust
Though you can’t always prevent tongue thrust, here are a few things that might help, especially in children:
- Early intervention. Stopping habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use, and mouth breathing early in life may prevent tongue thrust.
- Good oral hygiene. Healthy teeth and gums can help maintain proper tongue placement.
- Tongue posture awareness. Being aware of where your tongue rests can help you consciously correct its position.
Addressing Common Concerns: Frequently Asked Questions
Can tongue thrust be corrected in adults?
Absolutely! While it’s often addressed in childhood, tongue thrust can definitely be corrected in adults with the right treatment approach. It might take a bit more effort, but success is totally achievable.
How do you know if you’re tongue thrusting?
Keep an eye out for telltale signs! An open bite (where your front teeth don’t meet), a lisp when you speak, or difficulty swallowing can all be indicators of tongue thrust.
What does an abnormal tongue thrust cause?
An abnormal tongue thrust can lead to a few issues. We’re talking malocclusion (misaligned teeth), speech problems, and even TMJ disorders (affecting your jaw joint). It’s best to address it early to avoid these complications.
Is there a tongue thrust treatment covered by insurance?
That’s a great question, but unfortunately, the answer is “it depends.” Coverage for tongue thrust treatment varies widely depending on your insurance plan. Definitely give your provider a call to see what your specific policy covers.
In Summary
If you suspect you or your child has tongue thrust, remember that early intervention is key. The sooner you address the issue, the better you can mitigate its potential negative impact.
Several treatment options are available, including myofunctional therapy to retrain the tongue muscles, speech therapy to correct swallowing patterns, and orthodontic appliances to guide proper tooth alignment.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A dentist, orthodontist, or speech-language pathologist can diagnose tongue thrust and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Taking proactive steps can lead to significant improvements in oral health and overall well-being.