The most effective way to stop tongue thrusting is through a combination of myofunctional therapy exercises and, if necessary, orthodontic treatment. This comprehensive approach aims to retrain the oral and facial muscles and correct any resulting dental misalignments.
Understanding Tongue Thrusting
Tongue thrusting, also known as oral myofunctional disorder, is a habit where the tongue presses forward against the teeth during swallowing, speech, or even at rest. Over time, this consistent pressure can lead to various dental and speech problems.
The Two-Pronged Approach:
- Myofunctional Therapy: This is the cornerstone of tongue thrust correction.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Addresses dental issues caused by tongue thrusting.
1. Myofunctional Therapy: Retraining Your Muscles
Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises designed to:
- Strengthen oral and facial muscles: Weak muscles contribute to improper tongue positioning.
- Correct tongue posture: Teaches the tongue to rest in the correct position in the mouth.
- Improve swallowing patterns: Retrains the swallowing reflex to eliminate forward tongue pressure.
- Improve lip seal: Strengthening lip muscles to ensure proper closure, discouraging tongue protrusion.
What to Expect in Myofunctional Therapy:
- Assessment: A myofunctional therapist will evaluate your oral and facial muscle function, tongue posture, and swallowing patterns.
- Customized Exercises: You'll receive a personalized set of exercises tailored to your specific needs. These exercises are typically performed daily for several months.
- Regular Follow-Ups: The therapist will monitor your progress and adjust the exercises as needed.
Examples of Myofunctional Exercises:
| Exercise | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Tongue Sucking | Place the tongue on the roof of the mouth and create suction. | Strengthens tongue muscles and encourages proper resting position. |
| Tongue Clicking | Click the tongue against the roof of the mouth repeatedly. | Improves tongue coordination and awareness. |
| Chewing Exercises | Practice chewing with your lips closed, focusing on using the jaw muscles rather than the tongue. | Strengthens jaw muscles and promotes proper swallowing. |
| Swallowing Exercises | Focus on swallowing without pushing the tongue against the teeth. Try to swallow with the tongue retracted. | Retrains the swallowing reflex and eliminates forward tongue pressure. |
| Lip Exercises | Practice saying "P" and "B" sounds to strengthen the lip muscles. | Improves lip seal and discourages tongue protrusion during speech and rest. |
2. Orthodontic Treatment: Correcting Dental Misalignment
While myofunctional therapy addresses the underlying muscle imbalances, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct any dental problems that have already developed due to tongue thrusting.
Common Orthodontic Treatments for Tongue Thrusting:
- Braces: To straighten teeth and close gaps.
- Palatal Crib: A device placed in the roof of the mouth to prevent the tongue from pushing forward.
- Tongue Spurs: Small, blunt spikes attached to the back of the lower front teeth that discourage the tongue from pushing forward.
- Retainers: Used after braces to maintain the corrected tooth position.
Important Note: Orthodontic treatment alone is unlikely to be successful in the long term if the underlying tongue thrusting habit is not addressed with myofunctional therapy. The teeth will likely shift back to their original positions after the braces are removed.
Finding Help
- Myofunctional Therapist: Search for a qualified myofunctional therapist in your area.
- Orthodontist: Consult with an orthodontist to assess your dental alignment and discuss treatment options.
- Speech-Language Pathologist: Some speech-language pathologists are also trained in myofunctional therapy.
In summary, overcoming tongue thrusting requires a dedicated effort, often involving both myofunctional therapy to correct muscle habits and orthodontic treatment to address dental issues. A consistent and collaborative approach with qualified professionals is key to achieving long-term success.
