Yes, the tongue can move teeth.
Your tongue, despite seeming harmless, is a strong muscle that can exert force on your teeth. Regular, repeated pressure from the tongue against the teeth can cause them to shift and become misaligned. This is why dental professionals pay close attention to tongue positioning and habits.
- According to dental professionals, repeated pushing of the tongue against your teeth can make them shift or become misaligned.
Why Does This Happen?
The constant pressure exerted by the tongue, especially during activities like tongue thrusting (where the tongue presses forward against the teeth when swallowing or speaking), can gradually move teeth out of alignment over time.
Tongue Thrusting: A Common Cause
Tongue thrusting is a common habit, especially in children, where the tongue presses forward against the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or even at rest. While many children outgrow this habit, if it persists, it can lead to dental problems.
What Can Be Done?
If tongue thrusting or other tongue-related habits are causing teeth misalignment, several interventions can help:
- Orthodontic treatment: Braces or aligners can correct misaligned teeth.
- Myofunctional therapy: This therapy retrains the muscles of the face and mouth, including the tongue, to function properly.
- Habit appliances: These are dental devices that discourage tongue thrusting.
