Ever noticed when someone’s tongue seems to be doing its own thing? That might be tongue thrust, where the tongue pushes too far forward in the mouth, causing what experts call an “open bite.” It’s quite common in kids and can be caused by various factors like poor swallowing habits, allergies, or even being tongue-tied.
Babies often have tongue thrust naturally, especially when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. But sometimes, certain bottle nipples or pacifiers can make this habit stick around longer than it should, leading to issues as the child grows.
And it’s not just babies; tongue thrust can persist into childhood too. Long-term thumb sucking, allergies with swollen tonsils, or being tongue-tied are all potential culprits.
In kids, you can spot tongue thrust when the tongue pushes too far forward during speaking or swallowing. It might even press against the teeth, causing what’s called an open bite. Signs include seeing the tongue between the teeth, mouth breathing, and having trouble closing the lips properly.
As for adults, tongue thrust can pop up due to allergies or stress. While it’s not as common as in kids, the symptoms are pretty similar. Messy eating might not be as obvious, but other signs like an elongated face or difficulty with certain foods can clue you in.
Diagnosing tongue thrust involves a team effort from various professionals like GPs, speech therapists, dentists, and orthodontists. They’ll observe how you speak and swallow, maybe even checking where your tongue goes when you swallow.
Left untreated, tongue thrust can mess with your teeth and speech, but there’s good news: it’s treatable! Orthodontic devices or therapies like orofacial myology can help get things back on track. Plus, sorting out any underlying health issues can make a big difference.
So, if you or your child are dealing with tongue thrust, don’t worry too much. With the right treatment and a bit of patience, things should improve in no time.
I presently work as a GP in London. Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health – depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.
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