A Tongue Thrusting Reflex
Tongue thrusting is a type of speech disorder that is caused by the incorrect movement of the tongue. Although more common in the earlier years of childhood, up to 25% of children from the ages of 12-15 struggle with a tongue thrusting reflex. Thankfully your dentist will be able to help support your child with their needs.
In this article, we will break down the complications of this speech condition and how to support your child. We will also go over how to work with your dentist to improve the tongue’s movement.
Table of Contents
What is a Tongue Thrusting Reflex?
Tongue thrusting is a type of speech disorder where the tongue pushes forward during speech and swallowing. It is also known as forward tongue posture or anterior tongue thrust.
This condition can cause difficulty with speech and enunciating words. This speech condition also pushes on the front teeth causing an open bite and flaring of the teeth. It can also affect the jawbone structure, the supporting bone of the teeth, and gum health.
Causes of Tongue Thrusting
Although it is not always clear, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to a tongue thrusting reflex. It may be a combination of the factors below that causes this problem.
- Structural Abnormalities: Some people may have structural abnormalities in the mouth, such as a small jaw or a high-arched palate, which can cause the tongue to protrude forward during speech and swallowing. Tongue tie is also a related factor.
- Genetics: Certain genetic disorders can contribute like Angelman Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome.
- Muscle Imbalances: This speech condition can also be caused by muscle imbalances in the mouth. This can happen if the muscles that control the tongue are weaker or less coordinated than the muscles that control the lips and cheeks.
- Airway Obstructions: Our bodies are designed to breathe through the nose and not the mouth. Airway obstructions can be related to tongue thrusting.
- Damaging Habits: Certain habits, such as thumb-sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier and a sippy cup, can be contributing factors.
Problems Caused by Tongue Thrusting
A tongue thrusting reflex should be addressed with a medical and dental professional. If this condition goes undiagnosed, other problems can arise that may be difficult to fix. The consequences of this speech condition include:
- Speech Challenges: This speech condition can cause difficulty with speech due to the tongue not being positioned correctly when talking. This can result in speech impediments such as lisping or difficulty with certain speech sounds.
- Misaligned Teeth: Tongue thrusting can also cause problems with teeth alignment. The constant forward pressure of the tongue can push the front teeth forward, causing an overbite or an open bite.
- Issues with Jaw Development: It can also affect jaw development. The constant forward pressure of the tongue can cause the jaw to develop improperly, leading to a narrow or asymmetrical jaw.
- Nutritional Impact: The incorrect tongue movement can make it difficult to swallow. This can cause nutritional deficiencies in children.
- Mouth Breathing and Snoring: The improper movement of the tongue can lead to mouth breathing and snoring. Breathing through the mouth can lead to other systemic issues as well.
- For more information on the consequences of mouth breathing, check out our article Mouth Breather vs Nose Breather.
- Dry mouth can make you more at risk for poor oral health. Check out our Dry Mouth Guide to learn more.
It’s important to note that these problems can cause further issues if left untreated and it’s recommended to seek professional help to identify the cause and get the appropriate treatment.
How to Stop a Tongue Thrusting Reflex
Treatment for tongue thrusting typically involves working with multiple professionals in the medical and dental field. A few techniques used to stop a tongue thrusting reflex includes:
- Speech Therapy: A speech therapist can work with you to help develop proper tongue placement during speech and swallowing.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or a retainer, may be necessary to correct any problems with teeth alignment caused by tongue thrusting.
- Oral appliances: A dental professional can fabricate an oral appliance that fits behind the front teeth and rests on the roof of the mouth. Over time it will help reposition the tongue and create new muscle memory.
- Changes to Oral Habits: It is very important to stop any habits that may contribute to this speech condition, such as thumb-sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier.
- Myofunctional Therapy: This is a type of therapy that focuses on improving the function and strength of the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue.
- Surgery: In extreme cases, surgery may be required to correct any structural abnormalities in the mouth or jaw to stop tongue thrusting.
It’s important to note that the treatment plan will be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and the underlying cause of the tongue thrusting, and it’s recommended to seek professional help to identify the cause and get the appropriate treatment.
Tongue Thrusting Exercises
There are several exercises that can be used to help improve tongue placement and muscle strength in individuals with a tongue thrusting reflex. These exercises should be taught and supervised by a speech therapist. The exercises may have to be modified as the individual progresses in their therapy.
Tongue Retraction Exercises: These exercises involve placing the tip of the tongue behind the upper front teeth and holding it in place for several seconds. This can help to retrain the tongue to rest in the correct position and to develop the muscles needed for proper tongue placement.
Lip Closure Exercises: These exercises involve closing the lips and holding them in place for several seconds. This can help to improve muscle coordination and strength in the lips and cheeks, which can help to prevent the tongue from thrusting forward.
Tongue Lateralization Exercises: These exercises involve moving the tongue from side to side, or from the roof of the mouth to the teeth. This can help to develop the muscles needed for proper tongue movement and placement.
Swallowing Exercises: These exercises involve swallowing with the tongue in the correct position, which can help to improve muscle coordination and strength needed for proper swallowing.
Breathing Exercises: The person should be trained to breathe through the nose and not through the mouth.
Tongue Thrusting in Newborns
Tongue thrusting in newborns is more common, especially under 6 months old. It helps these infants facilitate breastfeeding or bottle feeding and latching on. It can actually help prevent choking while feeding the baby. In most cases, tongue thrusting in newborns will go away as the child develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should tongue thrust disappear? What age do babies lose tongue thrust reflex?
As a baby develops, the tongue thrusting reflex will go away around age 6 months old in most cases. Around the same age the baby starts to eat solid foods. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns with your child’s tongue position.
How do you stop tongue thrust reflex?
The cure for a tongue thrusting reflex depends on the cause of the speech condition. This may include simple speech therapy and exercises under the supervision of a Speech Therapist. There may be a need for additional interventions like oral appliances. It is very important to stop any contributing habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use, or sippy cup use.
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