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Tongue Thrust

In a tongue thrust, the tongue moves forward instead of upward, which can lead to various issues.

Tongue Thrust

A tongue thrust, also known as orofacial or oral myofunctional disorder, is a swallowing pattern in which the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or even at rest. Normally, during a swallow, the tongue presses against the roof of the mouth (the palate) to push food or liquid backward, toward the throat. However, in a tongue thrust, the tongue moves forward instead of upward, which can lead to various issues. The tongue thrust is a symptom of another underlying problem. A full myofunctional evaluation is recommended to find the root cause and treat from there.

Here are some key points about tongue thrust:

1. Causes: Tongue thrust can be caused by a variety of factors, including prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use during childhood, nasal congestion or obstruction, tongue tie (ankyloglossia), enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or habitual patterns of swallowing or speech.

2. Effects: Persistent tongue thrust can lead to dental and orthodontic problems, such as an open bite (where the front teeth do not meet properly when the back teeth are closed), misalignment of teeth, speech difficulties (especially with certain sounds), and difficulties with chewing and swallowing.

3. Treatment: Treatment for tongue thrust typically involves a combination of techniques, including myofunctional therapy to retrain the muscles of the tongue and mouth, orthodontic treatment to correct dental misalignments, and behavior modification techniques to encourage proper swallowing patterns. In some cases, if there are underlying structural issues contributing to the tongue thrust, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, surgical intervention may be necessary.

4. Early Detection: Detecting and addressing tongue thrust early, especially during childhood, is important to prevent or minimize potential dental and speech issues. Dental and speech professionals can often identify signs of tongue thrust during routine evaluations and recommend appropriate interventions.

Identification is an important part of a full evaluation at CRTC as well as determining how it is effecting function.
Overall, addressing tongue thrust early and implementing appropriate interventions can help prevent potential long-term consequences and promote proper oral function and development.

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