When infants nurse with a breast or bottle, they naturally may push their tongues out to help swallow. While most children outgrow this behavior by the age of six as they learn to use their oral muscles, some develop a condition called tongue thrust, which is the most common orofacial myofunction disorder (ODM). If tongue thrust persists into childhood, it could potentially lead to dental problems—but luckily, treatment options are available.
Tongue Thrust Effects
Again, tongue thrust isn’t harmful in young babies and has no long-term effects, provided that the reflex goes away as your child gets older. Losing tongue thrust is a normal part of baby development and a sign that your baby is more prepared for weaning. But when the condition persists and is considered an ODM, having the tongue constantly push against the teeth can lead to several issues:
- A child’s tongue sticking out during speaking, swallowing, and resting
- Speech problems
- Prolonged sucking problem
- Issues with chewing correctly
- Displaced teeth that may require orthodontic treatment
This condition may also indicate allergies, enlarged tonsils, or adenoids. These reactions cause a constricted throat cavity, so the tongue moves forward to make breathing easier.
Why is it a problem?
When the tongue pushes against teeth while resting, swallowing, or speaking it is putting pressure on them all the time. Since braces move teeth into proper alignment by using a small amount of consistent pressure against the teeth, it makes sense that this consistent pressure from the tongue can create problems with the way the mouth forms.
Orthodontic treatment moves the teeth and jaws into proper alignment, but an untreated tongue thrust can reverse successful orthodontic work. Tongue thrusting also causes many other problems, including:
- Unhealthy bite
- Open bite between the top and bottom teeth
- Prevent teeth from erupting
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Lisp and other speech problems
- Difficulty biting into foods, chewing and swallowing
- Elongated facial shape
- TMJ disorder
- Sleep and Breathing disorders
Time for Action
Consulting a dentist or pediatrician about tongue thrust is usually unnecessary for an infant, but there are some signs you can look for in older babies. Symptoms of abnormal tongue thrust include the tongue resting in the wrong position, prolonged sucking, open resting lips, and difficulty chewing food. If your older baby or toddler shows any of these signs, take them to see a dental professional or pediatrician. Your medical provider may also recommend getting in touch with an orthodontist and speech pathologist to ensure your child’s speech and teeth develop properly.
Facilitation
- Raise child’s awareness of their mouth posture (encourage them to keep their lips closed)
- Encourage chewing with the mouth closed
- Encourage child to place tongue behind upper teeth when at rest
As babies transition to solid foods, their tongue thrust should start to go away. When the baby is about four to six months old, babies start to develop the coordination to move solid food from the front of the mouth to the back for swallowing and typically stop using their tongues to push food out of their mouths. If you notice any of the symptoms of tongue thrusting beyond this period, get in touch with your dental professional or pediatrician. General dental health care should continue as normal, including regularly cleaning the teeth as soon as they erupt with a toothpaste specially formulated for infants.
Babies are precious, and it’s natural to seek reassurance that behavior affecting their teeth, speech, and eating is normal. Tongue thrust in babies usually means your baby is healthy and developing well. If you have concerns, a pediatrician or dentist can conduct a gentle examination that puts your mind at ease.