Tongue thrust, also known as orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD), is a condition characterized by a forward position of the tongue during rest and a thrust against or between the teeth during swallowing and speech. While tongue thrust is common in infants, it typically resolves by the age of four. However, when it persists beyond this age, it can cause several problems with dental and speech development.
Causes of Tongue Thrust Tongue thrust can be caused by several factors, including prolonged thumb or finger sucking, an upper airway obstruction, missing teeth or an opening bite, poor oral muscle strength or tone, and genetics. If left untreated, tongue thrust can cause improper dental alignment, speech difficulties, and even breathing problems.
Characteristics of Tongue Thrust Individuals with tongue thrust exhibit abnormal tongue movements during swallowing and speech, leading to problems with biting food, improper pressure on the front teeth, and a frontal lisp during speech. A frontal lisp is a speech sound distortion caused by the tongue being against or between the teeth during sound production.
Treatment of Tongue Thrust Myofunctional therapy and speech therapy are commonly used to treat tongue thrust. The goal of myofunctional therapy is to develop a normal oral resting position where the lips and teeth are closed, and the tongue tip rests against the ridge behind the upper front teeth. Exercises are also done to obtain proper tongue movement during swallowing. Myofunctional therapy is often done in coordination with orthodontic treatment to move the teeth into proper alignment. Speech therapy is often needed to correct the abnormal tongue position resulting in a frontal production of specific speech sounds.
In conclusion, tongue thrust is a common condition that can cause several dental and speech problems if left untreated. It is important to seek early intervention through myofunctional therapy and speech therapy to correct tongue thrust and prevent long-term complications. With proper treatment, individuals with tongue thrust can achieve normal oral and speech development.
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