Tongue Thrusting

Causes of Bad Breath in Children

Tongue thrusting, also called reverse or immature swallowing, is the habitual activity of pushing the tongue forward against the lips to seal the mouth for swallowing. Tongue thrusting repeatedly places pressure on the upper front teeth which can cause them to be pushed out of alignment over time. Tongue thrusting is normal in young infants, however, as a child becomes ready for solid food (usually around six months of age), the tongue and orofacial muscles begin to strengthen and the teething process starts, at which time a child typically develops a mature swallow (the tongue is pushed back and up). Learn more in Dental Topics. Possible causes of tongue thrusting include:
Thumb sucking
Ankyloglossia (tongue tie)
Macroglossia (enlarged tongue)

Enlarged tonsils
Allergies/nasal congestion
Upper respiratory infection
Mouth breathing
Some artificial nipples used in feeding
Physiological abnormalities
Heredity

What is the Treatment for Tongue Thrusting?

The treatment technique that has been proven most successful in correcting tongue thrusting is oral habit training. This method involves an exercise plan to
reeducate the oral muscles that are used during swallowing. A trained speech therapist can help implement this change in the swallowing pattern to allow the
tongue to become accustomed to staying in its proper position. If thumb sucking and/or tongue tie is involved, these should be treated prior to beginning the
tongue thrusting therapy.

Orthodontic Treatment for Tongue Thrusting

In some cases, an orthodontic appliance similar to a retainer may be recommended to help correct tongue thrusting. A custom orthodontic device (called a tongue crib or gate) can be designed specifically to suit your child’s needs. The device may only need to be worn at night, but more frequently, the tongue crib is attached to the molars or an expander and remains in place until treatment is completed and the orthodontist removes it.