All About Tongue Thrusting

As a caring parent or caregiver, it’s crucial to prioritize your child’s dental checkups and overall oral health. You may encounter worries regarding their tongue-thrusting behaviour, which can significantly affect their oral well-being.

This article aims to comprehensively understand the possible causes, signs, and effective treatments for addressing tongue thrusting in children.

The basics of tongue thrusting

Tongue thrusting occurs when a child’s tongue pushes forward against their teeth during swallowing or speaking instead of resting on the roof of the mouth. A variety of factors, including thumb-sucking, certain kinds of pacifiers or bottles, or the prolonged use of either, can cause this behaviour. Other causes include Bruxism (more commonly known as teeth grinding), Allergies, Ankyloglossia (more often known as a tongue-tie), and Macroglossia (an enlarged tongue).

Some signs of tongue thrusting in children include speech impediments due to incorrect tongue placement and an open bite. Other indicators are:

• Malocclusion.
• An open mouth resting position with the tongue on the front teeth.
• Frequent mouth breathing unrelated to allergies.

A children’s dentist may also be able to detect tongue thrusting during a routine dental checkup. While it is a common condition, parents should still be aware and seek treatment if necessary.

Does tongue thrusting affect the teeth?

Tongue thrusting, if left untreated, can result in significant dental issues such as misalignment of the teeth and malocclusion (misalignment of the bite), making it challenging to chew or speak. In addition, children exhibiting tongue thrusting may also experience pain or discomfort, or soreness in the jaw and facial muscles.

Speech therapy or orthodontic treatment may sometimes be necessary to correct these issues. It’s vital to address tongue thrusting immediately to prevent long-term problems.

Treating tongue thrust

Several treatment options can help correct the condition when dealing with tongue thrust. The first step is to consult with a children’s dentist, who can assess the severity of the condition and recommend a treatment plan. Sometimes, the child may need to work with a speech therapist to retrain their tongue placement and swallowing habits. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or a tongue crib, may also be necessary to correct dental misalignment.

Several other options exist, such as tongue-tie release, speech therapy, and orofacial myology treatment. Regular follow-ups with the dentist and speech therapist are essential to monitor progress and ensure the success of the treatment. Seeking treatment early is crucial since correcting the condition becomes more challenging the longer it goes untreated.

While tongue thrusting is common in children, knowing its causes, signs, and potential effects on kids oral health and good oral hygiene is still essential. By working with a children’s dentist and seeking treatment early, parents can help prevent future dental problems and encourage positive oral hygiene practices in their young ones.

Regular children’s dental checkups can also help detect tongue thrusting and other oral health issues early on. By prioritizing your child’s dental health, you can provide a foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Remember, a healthy smile starts with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Contact Simcoe Kids Dental today for more information!