TONGUE POSTURE/TONGUE THRUST

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The resting position of our oral muscles play an integral role in the growth and development of our dental and airway health.   At rest, the tongue should be up to the roof of the mouth, the lips are closed, the teeth are slightly apart, while breathing through the nose.  

Any changes or deviations from this ideal rest posture will lead to cascading negative effects in the development and growth of the face, jaw, teeth, and airway.

Narrow dental arches

Narrow jaws

Crowding/Malocclusion

Open Mouth Posture

Narrow nasal airway/reduced sinus space

Tongue Thrust/Dysfunctional Swallow Pattern

Tongue Thrust is when the tongue visibly pushes forward and sideways during swallowing and/or speaking.  It is a dysfunctional swallowing pattern and is often one of the most recognized symptoms of an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder.

Where the tongue rests matters more than what happens when you swallow.  Why?  Tongue Thrust is a SYMPTOM of another problem, as there are deeper underlying orofacial muscle issues.

There is always a low-resting tongue posture with a tongue thrust.  A low- resting tongue posture is a result mainly from MOUTH BREATHING, A TONGUE TIE, and/or ORAL HABITS.   

Therefore, the following underlying causes need to be addressed to eliminate the thrust:

Tongue Tie

Nasal Allergies/Restrictions

Thumb/Pacifier Habits

Enlarged Adenoids/Swollen Tonsils

Prolonged Bottle Sippy Cup Use

By not addressing the underlying orofacial myofunctional disorders, Tongue Thrust will not be eliminated and therefore, will lead to: 

Dysfunctional swallowing pattern

Malocclusion (Crooked Teeth, Open Bite)

Open Mouth Posture

TMJ/Face Pain

Breathing Issues

Feeding Issues

Digestive Issues

Aerophagia (swallowing of excessive air)