A beautiful smile is a sign of good oral health as well as an expression of inner happiness. However, tongue push, a less common issue, might subtly prevent this picture-perfect smile. Tongue thrust, also known as orofacial myofunctional dysfunction (OMD), is a problem that affects people of all ages but is commonly misinterpreted.
In the following article, we look at the subtleties of tongue push and discuss how it affects speech and dental alignment. We will investigate the underlying causes of this issue, its impact on young children’s speech development, and the major long-term ramifications it may have on dental alignment.
What is Tounge Thrust?
Tongue thrust, also known as orofacial myofunctional disorder, is a condition where the tongue moves forward against the front teeth when swallowing, speaking, or resting, rather than positioning upwards to the palate. This habitual movement can lead to a range of dental issues, such as misaligned teeth or bite problems. It’s commonly observed in children, especially those transitioning from bottle or breastfeeding to solid foods. Identifying and addressing tongue thrust early can help in preventing potential dental and speech issues in the future.
If you suspect your child exhibits signs of this condition, seeking professional advice is crucial. Junior Smiles of Stafford, a renowned pediatric dentist in Woodbridge, VA, offers specialized care and guidance in understanding and managing tongue thrust, ensuring that your child’s oral health and speech development remain on the right track.
Causes of Tongue Thrust
Several factors can contribute to the development of tongue thrust:
Thumb-sucking and Pacifier Use
Infants and young children frequently thumb-suck and utilize pacifiers for comfort and self-soothing. While thumb-sucking and pacifier use are typically seen as normal throughout the early stages of development, they can have a negative impact on the formation of healthy swallowing patterns.
Long-term thumb or pacifier sucking in children can cause the tongue to rest unnaturally, frequently rubbing up against or between the front teeth. This ongoing pressure can potentially cause tongue thrust, an aberrant swallowing pattern, over time.
Allergies and Enlarged Tonsils
People who frequently breathe through their lips rather than their noses may have chronic allergies or swollen tonsils. Chronic mouth breathing is what is meant by this. Continuous mouth breathing can disturb the normal balance of the oral muscles and impact several oral health issues.
A dry mouth can result from mouth breathing because the natural moisture from the nose is not available to hydrate the mouth. Since saliva is so important in defending teeth and gums, dry mouth can raise the risk of dental problems, including cavities and gum disease.
Tongue-Tie
Tongue-tie, also known medically as “ankyloglossia,” arises when the lingual frenulum, a strip of tissue that links the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is excessively tight or short. This disorder may cause various problems with tongue movement and may be present from birth. Infants, kids, and adults may experience difficulties with normal swallowing when the frenulum limits the tongue’s range of motion.
The condition known as tongue tie may cause inappropriate tongue positioning, which could result in malocclusion or dental misalignment. If tongue-tie is not treated, it can last into adulthood and affect speech and, in certain cases, the ability to perform specific tasks, such as playing wind instruments or keeping proper oral hygiene.
Impact on Speech Development
Tongue thrust can significantly impact speech development, particularly during early childhood. As the tongue pushes against the teeth, it can alter the positioning of the teeth and affect the formation of certain speech sounds. This may lead to difficulties in articulating sounds like “s,” “z,” “t,” “d,” “l,” and “n.”
Children with tongue thrust may exhibit the following speech issues:
Lisp
The most common speech issue associated with tongue thrust is the development of a frontal or lateral lisp, where the tongue protrudes during the production of “s” and “z” sounds, resulting in an unclear or slushy pronunciation.
Articulation Difficulties
Tongue thrust can also impact the production of other speech sounds, leading to unclear speech or the substitution of one sound for another.
Breathy Speech
Tongue thrust may also cause a breathy or nasal quality to a child’s speech, making it harder for others to understand them.
Effects on Dental Alignment
In addition to speech difficulties, tongue thrust can also adversely affect dental alignment, leading to malocclusion. The continuous pressure exerted by the tongue against the teeth can result in:
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. The tongue’s pressure can create a gap between the front teeth, affecting the overall bite.
Overjet
Tongue thrust may contribute to an increased overjet, where the upper front teeth protrude too far forward relative to the lower front teeth.
Crowding
The misalignment caused by tongue thrust can lead to crowding of the teeth, causing them to shift and overlap.
Final Thoughts
When left untreated, tongue thrust can negatively affect speech development and dental alignment. To avoid long-term consequences, early detection and action are highly imperative.
Remember, choosing the best course of treatment for each patient requires consulting with an experienced and knowledgeable pediatric specialist. With this newfound awareness, individuals of all ages can take proactive measures to address tongue thrust and unlock the full potential of their smiles.
