If you’ve ever noticed that your tongue pushes against your teeth when you swallow or speak, you may have a condition called tongue thrust. Tongue thrust seems to be present in 25% of adults. While it may seem like a harmless habit, tongue thrust can significantly impact your oral health. In this blog, we will explore what tongue thrust is, its causes, its potential consequences, and what myofunctional therapy tongue thrust can help.
WHAT IS TONGUE THRUST?
Tongue thrust is a condition where the tongue pushes against the teeth during swallowing or speaking instead of staying in its proper resting position at the roof of the mouth. This can cause problems with the alignment of the teeth, as well as speech difficulties.
WHAT CAUSES TONGUE THRUST?
Several factors can contribute to tongue thrust, including:
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use in early childhood.
- Allergies or congestion that cause mouth breathing.
- Tongue-tie or other oral restrictions.
- Improper tongue posture or function.
THE IMPACT OF TONGUE THRUST ON ORAL HEALTH
Tongue thrust can have several negative effects on oral health, including:
MISALIGNED TEETH:
When the tongue pushes against the teeth, it can create pressure that gradually shifts them out of alignment. Over time, this can lead to malocclusion or misalignment of the upper and lower teeth. This can cause difficulties with biting, chewing, and speaking, increasing the risk of dental problems such as cavities and gum disease.
SPEECH PROBLEMS:
Tongue thrusts can also cause speech difficulties, particularly with sounds that require the tongue to be in a specific position. This can lead to problems with articulation and communication, impacting social interactions and self-esteem.
JAW PAIN AND HEADACHES:
The pressure exerted by the tongue during swallowing can also cause tension in the jaw and neck muscles, leading to pain and discomfort. Additionally, tongue thrust can cause headaches, especially if it is accompanied by teeth grinding or clenching.
HOW CAN TOUNGUE THRUST BE TREATED?
Fortunately, tongue thrusts can be treated with myofunctional therapy, a non-invasive and drug-free approach that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, tongue, and throat. This therapy involves exercises and techniques to improve oral muscle strength, coordination, and function. By working with a trained myofunctional therapist, individuals with tongue thrust can improve their oral health and quality of life.
Tongue thrust is a condition that can significantly impact oral health if left untreated. By understanding the causes and consequences of tongue thrust, individuals can take steps to address the issue and improve their oral health and overall well-being.
MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY: A NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT FOR TONGUE THRUST
Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment for tongue thrust. This therapy aims to correct tongue posture and function by retraining the muscles of the face, tongue, and throat. This therapy involves a series of exercises and techniques designed to improve oral muscle strength, coordination, and function.
Some of the benefits of myofunctional therapy tongue thrust include:
- Improved swallowing and speech function.
- Reduce the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and malocclusion.
- Enhanced facial aesthetics and profile.
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Non-invasive and drug-free treatment options.
During myofunctional therapy, a trained therapist will work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include tongue thrust swallow correction, lip seal training, chewing exercises, and breathing techniques. The therapist will monitor the patient’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
Myofunctional therapy offers a safe and effective non-invasive treatment option for tongue thrust that can help oral and overall health.
Here are some common myofunctional therapy exercises for improving tongue function:
- TONGUE ELEVATORS:
This exercise involves placing the tip of your tongue behind your front teeth and lifting the back of your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Hold for a few seconds, and then release.
- TONGUE STRETCH:
This exercise involves sticking your tongue out as far as possible, then curling the tip of your tongue back towards the roof of your mouth. Hold for a few seconds, and then release.
- TONGUE PUSHUPS:
This exercise involves placing the tip of your tongue behind your front teeth and pushing the back of your tongue up to the roof of your mouth. Hold for a few seconds, and then release.
- LIP PRESSES:
This exercise involves pressing your lips together, holding them for a few seconds, and then releasing them.
- CHEEK PUFFING:
This exercise involves puffing out your cheeks as much as possible and holding for a few seconds, then releasing.
It is important to note that myofunctional therapy tongue thrust exercises should only be performed under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Your therapist may also recommend additional exercises or modifications to these exercises based on your specific needs.
In addition to exercises, myofunctional therapy may involve techniques such as tongue and lip massage, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation with consistent practice and guidance from a healthcare professional.
BENEFITS OF MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY:
- It can help with various conditions; this therapy can treat various conditions, including sleep apnea, snoring, TMJ disorder, speech problems, and even facial aesthetics.
- It’s all about muscle function; myofunctional therapy aims to improve the function of the muscles in the mouth and face. This can involve exercises to strengthen or retain weak muscles to function properly.
- It can improve breathing; one of the primary benefits of this therapy is that it can improve breathing, particularly for people with sleep apnea or snoring. Improving muscle function in the throat and mouth can help keep the airway open during sleep.
- Anyone can do it; myofunctional therapy exercises can be done by people of all ages and abilities. They can be done at home or with a therapist and tailored to each individual’s needs.
- Unlike other treatments for tongue thrust and others, this therapy does not involve surgery or medication. It’s a natural way to improve muscle function and overall health.
It can improve quality of life by improving breathing, speech, and other functions; it can also reduce the risk of health problems associated with tongue thrusts, sleep apnea, and other conditions.