Tongue Thrust

A tongue thrust, which is one of many myofunctional disorders, is the habit of resting or moving the tongue between or against the teeth during rest, swallowing, and/or speech.

It may also be called reverse, immature, or infantile swallow, as it is the way that infants swallow until they grow out of it between 6 and 12 months of age.

Contributing factors may include:

• Oral breathing
• Low tongue posture
• Upper airway obstruction
  (Nasal obstruction, enlarged tonsils & adenoids, etc.)
• Tethered oral tissues
  (Tongue/lip ties)
• Noxious oral habits
  (Thumb sucking, nail biting, etc.)
• Bottle/sippy cup/pacifier use
• Etc.

Tongue thrust may result in the following:

• Malocclusion, misalignment of teeth, or open bite
• Poor facial development
• Headaches
• TMJ pain
• Orthodontic relapse
• Speech misarticulation
• Forward neck posture
• Etc.