Tongue Thrust
How we swallow will determine the shape of our mouth and jaw growth. A tongue thrust swallow is where the tongue pushes into the teeth every swallow. A swallow compensation, or abnormal swallow, is when the tongue isn’t functioning the way it is supposed to. So the cheeks and lips have to work overtime to swallow.
How do you know if you have an abnormal swallow? Smile, bite, and swallow. Grab some a drink and try again and pay attention.
- Is it difficult?
- Did you feel your tongue pushing into your teeth?
- Did you feel or see the tongue squishing into the teeth spaces?
- Or did it feel impossible while smiling?
- Did the water squish out?
You have an abnormal swallow and in time it will cause issues in time. Watch the video below and see how all the bites are off and pushed out due to the tongue. I’ve seen the tongue push the teeth out of the bone and gum loss on teeth that don’t even touch! Normally recession is caused by clenching pressure.
Types of Tongue Thrusts That I Treat
- Anterior open bite — The most common form of tongue thrust is the anterior tongue thrust. Usually these will be characterized by open lips that don’t naturally come together and a large tongue that doesn’t comfortably fit to the palate. Individuals that suffer from Anterior tongue thrusts usually have their mouths open and tongues pressed against the teeth, this will be even more evident in young children.
- Lateral thrust: Characterized by a bite that doesn’t close entirely on the sides of the mouth, often leaving room between the upper and lower molars.
- Anterior thrust —This type of thrust specifically effects the front teeth of the premaxilla, and results in the lower lip compensating by pulling in the front teeth on the lower mandible. My clients with this type of thrust are also experiencing signs of Mentalis, a condition that effects the chin muscles.
- Bilateral thrust — This is the absolute most difficult thrust to correct because patients suffering from a Bilateral Thrust are effected on all of their permanent teeth from the front to the rear molars.
- Bilateral anterior open bite — In this type of thrust almost none of the teeth are touching, with the exception of some molars. Many of my clients who are experiencing this also mention how their tongue doesn’t seem to fit it their mouth, feels like its just “too big” for comfort.
- Closed bite thrust — The effects of a Closed Bite Thrust in Dentistry are referred to as a double protrusion. This is when both the upper and lower teeth are pushed forward so that they do not connect but flare outward due to the constant tongue pressure.
All are fixable, but if not addressed will cause crowded, crooked teeth, or open bites. Orthodontics would need to be redone, expansion appliances, or surgery to correct palate issues.
Can tongue thrust be behind other conditions?
The answer is yes, a tongue thrust can be devastating to the proper growth and formation of a healthy mouth. But some that I see most often include.
- Shifting Teeth
- Orthodontic Relapse
- Mouth Breathing
- TMJ
If you are worried that you or a loved one is suffering from a tongue thrust just remember there is treatment. I will customize a treatment plan that is specific for each patient. Send me a message today!