Tongue Thrust Therapy

What is Tongue Thrust?

Tongue thrust, also known as reverse swallow or immature swallow, is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder where the tongue presses too far forward in the mouth during swallowing, speech, or even when at rest. This habit can impact dental and oral health, often leading to misaligned teeth, speech issues, and difficulties with swallowing.

How to Identify Tongue Thrust

You cannot tell if a person has a tongue thrust merely by observing their swallowing behavior from the outside. If you suspect you or someone you know has a tongue thrust pattern of swallowing, an evaluation should be performed by a certified speech language pathologist.

Key Characteristics of Tongue Thrust:

Forward Tongue Position: The tongue tends to push against or between the front teeth, especially during swallowing.
Speech Impediments : Common speech issues associated with tongue thrust include lisps or difficulties pronouncing certain sounds, particularly "s" and "z."
Dental Problems : The continuous pressure of the tongue against the teeth can cause dental misalignments such as an open bite, where the front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.
Swallowing Patterns: Individuals with tongue thrust may exhibit an unusual swallowing pattern, where the tongue moves forward instead of the typical backward motion.

Causes of Tongue Thrust:

Developmental Factors: Tongue thrust can be a part of normal development in infants and young children, but it typically resolves as they grow older. If it persists, it may indicate an underlying issue.
Habitual Behaviors: Prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or bottle-feeding can contribute to the development of tongue thrust.
Oral Structure: Anatomical factors such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a high, narrow palate can predispose someone to tongue thrust.
Neuromuscular Conditions: Certain neuromuscular disorders can affect the way muscles in the mouth and throat work, leading to tongue thrust.

If you suspect you or your child has tongue thrust, seeking professional evaluation and treatment is essential for addressing the condition and preventing further complications.

When is Tongue Thrust Therapy Appropriate?

Treatments in tongue thrust speech therapy are typically referred by an orthodontist. This referral can occur before, during, or after orthodontic treatment for misalignment of the teeth. If you or your child have an overbite and are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may benefit from our therapy program. Often, a tongue thrust can cause or worsen an overbite malocclusion.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Effective treatment for tongue thrust often involves a multidisciplinary approach. As experienced speech pathologists, we specialize in myofunctional therapy through our comprehensive 10-step treatment program. Our approach includes:

Speech Therapy: A speech-language pathologist can help retrain the swallowing pattern and correct speech issues through a variety of exercises.
Orthodontic Intervention: Braces or other orthodontic appliances may be needed to correct dental misalignments caused by tongue thrust.
Myofunctional Therapy: This specialized therapy focuses on exercises that strengthen the muscles of the mouth and face to promote proper tongue positioning and swallowing patterns.

Our Approach

Evaluation

Initial Step: Our tongue thrust therapy program begins with a comprehensive evaluation by one of our highly qualified therapists.

Treatment Sessions

Duration: The program consists of ten treatment sessions.
Commitment: The program requires considerable effort, daily practice, and self-motivation.
Age Requirement: Children under 12 years of age need to be approved by the therapist due to the rigor of the program.

Benefits

Alignment: Modifying the swallow pattern can help the teeth stay in alignment.
Orthodontic Impact: Some clients have been able to eliminate the need for a retainer or braces entirely.

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you! For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (801) 308-0400 or visit our clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Get Speech Therapy for Tongue Thrust Near You

Our clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah, offers a wide range of local speech and language therapy services tailored to meet the needs of our community. Whether you or your loved one needs help with tongue thrust treatment or other Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder, our certified speech-language pathologists are here to provide expert care. Visit us and take the first step towards clearer speech today.