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Jun 08, 2025By Dr. Akanksha Priya
Tongue thrust might sound like a dance move, but it’s a real and surprisingly common oral habit in children. If left unaddressed, it can affect teeth alignment, speech, and even facial development. The good news is that with early detection and consistent, gentle exercises, most children can overcome tongue thrust and develop healthier oral habits.
What Is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust (also known as reverse swallowing) is a condition where the tongue pushes forward against or between the front teeth during swallowing, speaking, or even while at rest.
Ideally, the tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth, behind the upper front teeth. In children with tongue thrust, the tongue presses forward, often leading to issues like:
- Open bite or protruding front teeth
- Lisping or unclear speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Mouth breathing
- Delayed or irregular facial development
What Causes Tongue Thrust?
Several factors can contribute to this habit:
- Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Bottle feeding beyond infancy
- Mouth breathing due to allergies or enlarged adenoids
- Enlarged tonsils or tongue-tie (restricted tongue movement)
- Neuromuscular imbalances or delayed oral development
Sometimes, tongue thrust may occur without any clear cause, but early awareness and management are key to avoiding long-term effects.
Signs Your Child Might Have Tongue Thrust
You might notice:
- The tongue peeking between the front teeth during swallowing or speaking
- A noticeable lisp or unclear speech
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when biting down (open bite)
- Frequent mouth breathing or drooling
- Difficulty eating or chewing certain foods
If you’re concerned, your pediatric dentist or speech-language pathologist can help confirm whether your child has tongue thrust and recommend the right plan.
Why Early Correction Matters
If not corrected early, tongue thrust can:
- Push teeth out of alignment, requiring braces later
- Cause speech issues that may need therapy
- Interfere with proper jaw and facial development
- Make orthodontic treatments less effective or longer-lasting
That’s why we call it a tango, you need the muscles, tongue, lips, and cheeks to all work in coordination. Fortunately, that can be taught through simple, consistent exercises.
Simple Home Exercises to Correct Tongue Thrust
These exercises are gentle, fun, and designed to strengthen the tongue, lips, and swallowing muscles. Practice them daily, ideally in front of a mirror, and make them part of a playful routine.
1. Spot and Hold (Tongue Placement Awareness)
Goal: Teach the correct tongue resting posture.
How to do it:
- Ask your child to smile.
- Then say, “Touch the spot”—referring to the small ridge just behind the upper front teeth (called the alveolar ridge).
- Have them press the tip of their tongue gently against that spot and hold it there for 5–10 seconds.
- Repeat 5–10 times.
Make it fun by calling it the “rocket launch pad” or “magic spot.”
2. Lip Button Hold
Goal: Strengthen lip seal and reduce open-mouth posture.
How to do it:
- Place a small button on a string and have your child hold it between closed lips (not the teeth).
- Gently pull the string and ask them to resist.
- Start with 5 seconds and build up to 10–15 seconds per try.
- Repeat 5–10 times.
This helps improve lip strength and keeps the mouth closed during rest.
3. Tongue Pops
Goal: Encourage upward tongue motion and palate stimulation.
How to do it:
- Ask your child to place their tongue flat against the roof of their mouth.
- Then have them create a loud “pop” sound by pulling it down quickly.
- Repeat this 10 times, like a rhythm game.
This builds tongue strength and awareness of the proper tongue-palate connection.
4. Swallowing Practice (Nasal and Controlled)
Goal: Correct the swallow pattern.
How to do it:
- Give your child a small sip of water.
- Ask them to place their tongue on the magic spot, close their lips, and swallow without pushing the tongue forward.
- Practice with a mirror so they can see if the tongue stays inside and the lips stay closed.
Tip: Place a small sugar-free candy (like xylitol mints) on the palate and ask them to keep it there during swallowing practice.
5. Straw Drinking
Goal: Improve oral muscle coordination.
How to do it:
- Use a straw (preferably a thin one) to sip water or juice.
- Encourage slow, controlled sipping.
- Avoid biting the straw — just use lips and cheeks.
This mimics proper swallow motion and builds muscle memory.
6. Cheek Puff Game
Goal: Strengthen cheeks and lips, reduce drooling.
How to do it:
- Ask your child to puff their cheeks full of air.
- Then have them try to hold it while you gently press on their cheeks.
- They can also transfer air from one cheek to the other.
Repeat this 5–6 times as a fun, silly-face challenge.
Additional Support: When to Get Professional Help
If your child has persistent tongue thrust, a team-based approach may help. Involving these professionals can offer better long-term results:
- Pediatric Dentist – for oral development and alignment
- Myofunctional Therapist – for targeted muscle retraining
- Speech Therapist – for speech and swallowing patterns
- ENT Specialist – if mouth breathing or enlarged tonsils are involved
Early support can prevent more invasive treatments later on.
Dos and Don’ts for Parents
Do:
- Practice exercises daily (consistency is key)
- Make it a game, not a punishment
- Be patient muscle retraining takes time
Don’t:
- Force exercises if your child is sick or uncomfortable
- Use negative reinforcement or shame
- Ignore signs of persistent speech or bite issues get help early
Conclusion
Tongue thrust is common, but it doesn’t have to cause long-term problems. By recognizing it early and gently guiding your child through consistent exercises, you can support their growing mouth, improve speech, and prevent future orthodontic complications.
Think of it as teaching the tongue a new dance. With your help and maybe a little rhythm, they’ll soon master the right moves for a healthy, balanced smile.
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