What is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust, also known as “reverse swallow” or “immature swallow” is
an orofacial myofunctional disorder. It refers to when the tongue is in an
anterior position protruding through the anterior incisors while at rest, during
swallowing, and during speech. Most young children exhibit a swallowing pattern
involving tongue protrusion; however at the age of six most have switched to a
normal swallowing pattern. Up to the age of four, there is a possibility that the child will outgrow tongue
thrust. However, if the tongue thrust swallowing pattern is retained beyond that
age, it may be strengthened.
(Wikipedia, 2009)
According to Dr. T. M. Graber, we swallow a total of 1,200 to 2,000
times every 24 hours with about four pounds of pressure per swallow. This
constant pressure from the tongue will force the teeth out of alignment if an
individual has a tongue thrust problem. Besides the pressure exerted while swallowing,
nervous thrusting also pushes the tongue against the teeth while it
is at rest. This is an involuntary, subconscious habit that is difficult to
correct.
(Kiebach, T.J.)
an orofacial myofunctional disorder. It refers to when the tongue is in an
anterior position protruding through the anterior incisors while at rest, during
swallowing, and during speech. Most young children exhibit a swallowing pattern
involving tongue protrusion; however at the age of six most have switched to a
normal swallowing pattern. Up to the age of four, there is a possibility that the child will outgrow tongue
thrust. However, if the tongue thrust swallowing pattern is retained beyond that
age, it may be strengthened.
(Wikipedia, 2009)
According to Dr. T. M. Graber, we swallow a total of 1,200 to 2,000
times every 24 hours with about four pounds of pressure per swallow. This
constant pressure from the tongue will force the teeth out of alignment if an
individual has a tongue thrust problem. Besides the pressure exerted while swallowing,
nervous thrusting also pushes the tongue against the teeth while it
is at rest. This is an involuntary, subconscious habit that is difficult to
correct.
(Kiebach, T.J.)
Types of Tongue Thrust:
There are many types of tongue thrust that result in numerous bite problems:
the
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Anterior-open bite: The most common type of tongue thrust. Because the lips do not close easily, the person has his lips open with the tongue protruding from the mouth, past the teeth.
the
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Anterior-Protrusive Incisors: The upper incisors protrude immensely, and the lower incisors are pulled in by the lower lip. Along with this there is a strong pull of the mentalis (chin muscle).
the
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Unilateral: The bite is open on one side and not on the other, because of unilateral thrusting of the tongue.
the
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Bilateral: The anterior bite is close; but the posterior teeth from the first bicuspid to the molars are open on both sides, because of bilateral thrusting of the tongue.
the
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Anterior-Bilateral: The bite is completely open on both sides, with only the molars touching.
the
![Picture](/uploads/1/9/6/5/19656439/5450907.jpg?1367115177)
wikidoc.org
Bimaxillary: There is a double protrusion where both upper and lower teeth are flared and spaced.
the
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Mandibular: Protrusion of the mandible due to a low and forward posture of the tongue or a hereditary growth pattern.
(Tongue thrust questions and answers, December)
The difference between
OMD and Tongue Thrust:
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders involve behaviors and patterns created by
inappropriate muscle function and incorrect habits involving the tongue, lips, jaw and face.
Tongue thrust is one variation of an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder which involves the tongue
pushing against or between the front teeth at rest, during swallowing and during speech.
( IOAM, 2012 )
OMD and Tongue Thrust:
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders involve behaviors and patterns created by
inappropriate muscle function and incorrect habits involving the tongue, lips, jaw and face.
Tongue thrust is one variation of an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder which involves the tongue
pushing against or between the front teeth at rest, during swallowing and during speech.
( IOAM, 2012 )