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Tongue thrust is the pushing of the tongue against the teeth while
swallowing or at rest. The average person swallows 2000 - 4000 times
per day and exerts pressure with each swallow. This can push the
teeth out of alignment and may cause distorted speech sounds.
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What causes tongue thrust?
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No
one specific cause has actually been determined for the tongue thrust
problem. Any of the following may cause tongue thrust:
1) Certain types of artificial nipples used in feeding infants
2) Thumb sucking
3) Allergies, nasal congestion or obstructions contributing to mouth
breathing causing the posture of the tongue to be very low in the
mouth
4) Large tonsils, adenoids, or many sore throats which cause difficulty
in swallowing
5) An abnormally large tongue
6) Hereditary factors within the family, such as the angle of the
jaw line
7) Neurological, muscular, or other physiological abnormalities
8) Short lingual frenum (tongue tied) |
Is tongue thrust very prevalent?
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| Since
1958 the term "tongue thrust" has been described and discussed
in speech and dental publications by many writers. Authorities have
noted that a significant number of school-age children have tongue
thrust. For example, according to recent literature, as many as
67 to 95 percent of the children 5 to 8 years old exhibit tongue
thrust which may be associated with or contributing to an orthodontic
or speech problem. Throughout the country, from 20 to 80 percent
of orthodontic patients have some form of tongue thrust. |
What are the consequences?
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| The
force of the tongue against the teeth is an important factor in
contributing to malformation ("bad bites"). Many orthodontists
have had the discouraging experience of completing dental treatment,
with what appeared to be good results, only to discover that the
case had relapsed because the patient had a tongue thrust swallowing
pattern. If the tongue is allowed to continue its pushing action
against the teeth, it will continue to push the teeth forward and
reverse the orthodontic work. |
Is speech affected by tongue thrusting?
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| Speech
is not frequently affected by the tongue thrust swallowing pattern.
The "S" sound (lisping) is the one most affected. The
lateral lisp (air forced on the side of the tongue rather than forward)
shows dramatic improvement when the tongue thrust is also corrected.
However, one problem is not always associated with the other.
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At what age does a child usually exhibit a tongue thrust swallowing pattern?
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| A
child exhibits a tongue thrust pattern from birth. Up to the age
of four, there is a possibility that the child will outgrow the
tongue thrust pattern and develop the mature pattern of swallowing.
However, statistics have shown that if the tongue thrust swallowing
pattern is retained, it may be strengthened beyond the age of four.
In all probability, the child will need some type of training program
to develop the mature swallowing pattern. |
Who diagnoses tongue thrust?
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| The
most difficult problem of all is the diagnosis. As a rule, orthodontists,
general dentists, pedodontists, some pediatricians, and speech therapists
detect the problem. In many cases, tongue thrust may not be detected
until the child is under orthodontic care. However, diagnosis usually
is made when the child displays a dental or speech problem that
needs correction. |
Generally, the tongue thrust swallowing pattern may be handled in two ways:
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An appliance that is placed in the mouth by the dentist (mechanical
method).
* Correction by oral habit training - an exercise technique that
re-educates the muscles associated with swallowing by changing the
swallowing pattern. This method must be taught by a trained therapist.
Therapy has proven to give the highest percentage of favorable results,
however the appliance is still used and is successful in some cases.
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