Tongue thrusting is a common habit where your tongue pushes against or between your teeth when swallowing, speaking, or even at rest. It’s most often seen in children, but adults experience it too — and it can cause dental issues and difficulty with speech no matter your age.
If you’re concerned that you or your child might have issues with tongue thrusting, it’s important to know that it can be treated. Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, and our team at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, specialize in tongue thrusting treatment and pediatric orthodontics.
Here’s what you need to know about tongue thrusting and how it can be addressed.
Tongue thrusting happens when your tongue consistently pushes forward against the back of your teeth rather than resting on the roof of your mouth. It’s an unconscious habit that often develops in childhood. While it can happen to anyone, prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking, allergies, or an abnormal swallowing pattern make it more common.
While tongue thrusting might not seem like a big deal at first, it can contribute to changes in dental alignment and even make orthodontic intervention necessary. Fortunately, tongue thrusting can be treated, and it’s possible to learn healthier tongue positioning.
Chronic tongue thrusting can impact your — or your child’s — oral health in a few different ways, including:
Continuous pressure from tongue thrusting can move your teeth out of their proper positions and put extra stress on your teeth and gums, leading to premature wear and other issues like difficulty biting, chewing, and talking.
Some signs that you or your child may have a problem with tongue thrusting include:
You might also notice that your or your child’s tongue pushes between your teeth while swallowing or talking.
Tongue thrusting can put your or your child’s oral health and speech development at risk, but it can be treated. One of the most effective ways to correct dental issues caused by tongue thrusting is orthodontic treatment, and Dr. Touni offers a range of treatments to meet your unique needs.
A specialized orthodontic appliance called a tongue crib can help prevent your tongue from pushing forward and retrain your swallowing habits. Traditional braces or clear aligners can correct overbites and realign teeth affected by tongue thrusting, and after braces, retainers help maintain tooth alignment while reinforcing proper tongue posture.
If you or your child show signs of tongue thrusting, early intervention can help prevent long-term dental complications like overbite and tooth misalignment.
You can schedule a consultation at Touni Orthodontics by calling our office or booking an appointment online today. Our team is here to answer your questions and develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
