Current Research
Ahrari, F., Amini, F.,Jalaly,T. (2009) Effect of Tongue Thrust Swallowing on Position of Anterior Teeth Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects 3(3):73-77
Article reviewed by Rachel Solny
There is no agreement on the effect that tongue thrust swallowing may have on the position
of anterior incisors in growing children. This study involved 193 subjects ranging in age from 9-13
years. All subjects were examined and those who had a tongue thrust swallow were judged against
a control group of 36 normal subjects to compare position of anterior incisors. Data was analyzed
by independent sample t-test. 10 out of the 193 subjects presented with a tongue thrust. The tongue
thrust subjects had a significantly increased overjet, while the remaining variables did not differ
statistically from the controls. The results indicated that “tongue thrust may have an environmental
effect on dentofacial structures.” Considering the prevalence of tongue thrust in orthodontic patients
it is advisable for dental practitioners to observe patients of all ages and those in all stages of
orthodontic treatments for signs of tongue thrust swallowing.
Gibbons, B. G., Williams, K. E., Riegel, K. E., (2007) Reducing Tube Feeds and Tongue Thrust: Combining an Oral-Motor and Behavioral Approach to Feeding, The American Journal of Occupational Therapy 61(4):394-401
Article reviewed by Esther Furman
This study was done to try and reduce tube feeds and tongue thrust. The participant was a 6 year old child with down syndrome who was diagnosed with an oral dysphagia. She presented with expulsion of all food/drink due to the tongue thrust. The goal of the study was to determine efficacy of a treatment plan combining oral motor and behavioral interventions for this child who was referred to an intensive day treatment feeding program for gastrostomy tube dependence and food refusal. There were 175 sessions over a period of 24 days to eliminate the tube and tongue thrust.
During the baseline phase the child was seated in an upright highchair. If the child accepted the bite, the feeder gave verbal praise. During the first treatment phase, she was seated in a highchair that was reclined to the lowest position. The feeder placed the food on a small rubber tipped NUK massage brush. After placing the NUK brush on the middle of the tongue, the feeder applied gentle pressure while twirling the brush, depositing the food onto the mid-portion of the tongue. Then, the feeder pulled the NUK forward, flattening the child's tongue. The NUK brush was used to deposit the food past the tongue thrust so that the child would have the opportunity to swallow. During the second treatment phase, liquids were given and a metal infant spoon was used instead of the NUK. After 175 sessions the researchers concluded that "this intervention demonstrated a successful combination of oral-motor and behavioral components in the treatment of a severe feeding problem."
Sinem Taslan, Sibel Biren, and Cenk Ceylanoglu (2010) Tongue Pressure Changes Before, During and After Crib Appliance Therapy. The Angle Orthodontist: May 2010, Vol. 80, No. 3, pp. 533-539.
Article reviewed by Ashira Glassenberg
A study was performed to see the tongue pressure changes before, during, and after crib appliances therapy for babies who display open bites. A crib appliance was given to each of the clients in the control group. Tongue pressures were measured using a diaphragm-type pressure transducer during resting position and swallowing. Tongue pressures were performed on the upper first molar, upper and lower central incisors, and on the middle spur of the crib appliance. The initial resting pressure of the upper molar increased after the appliance was inserted, but decreased for the next 12 months. The resting tongue pressure on the upper and lower incisors remained lower than the initial values at the end of 12 months. The resting and swallowing tongue pressures on the middle spur of the crib appliance decreased slowly during the ten months. Open bite values in the group increased a great deal by the end of the 12 months. The measurements at the end of 12 months confirmed that the tongue adapted to the crib therapy. Resting tongue pressure at the end of the 12th months remained lower than the initial values. The findings show the adaptive behavior of the tongue to open bite closure and new position of the incisors.
Covell, D. Smithpeter, J. (2010). Relapse of anterior open bites treated with orthodontic appliances with and without orofacial myofunctional therapy. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedic, 137(5), 605-614.
Article reviewed by Cheryl Zilber
To investigate the longterm effectiveness of Orofacial Myofunctional therapy, for maintaining closure of anterior open bites in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, a study was conducted which included 76 subjects with dental anterior open bites. The experimental cohort consisted of 27 subjects who received OMT and orthodontic treatment or retreatment. The control cohort comprised 49 subjects who had a history of orthodontic treatment with open-bite relapse. Overbite was evaluated by an OMT professional or orthodontist 2 months to 23 years after removal of the fixed appliances. Measurements were compared with t tests. In the control group the overbite relapse mean was 3.4 mm, ranging from 1.0mm to 7.0mm, while in the group that received OMT the relapse mean was 0.5mm ranging from 0.0mm to 4.0mm a clinicaly and statisticaly significant difference. This study demonstrated that OMT in conjunction with orthodontic treatment was highly effective in maintaining closure of anterior open bites compared with orthodontic treatment alone.
Article reviewed by Rachel Solny
There is no agreement on the effect that tongue thrust swallowing may have on the position
of anterior incisors in growing children. This study involved 193 subjects ranging in age from 9-13
years. All subjects were examined and those who had a tongue thrust swallow were judged against
a control group of 36 normal subjects to compare position of anterior incisors. Data was analyzed
by independent sample t-test. 10 out of the 193 subjects presented with a tongue thrust. The tongue
thrust subjects had a significantly increased overjet, while the remaining variables did not differ
statistically from the controls. The results indicated that “tongue thrust may have an environmental
effect on dentofacial structures.” Considering the prevalence of tongue thrust in orthodontic patients
it is advisable for dental practitioners to observe patients of all ages and those in all stages of
orthodontic treatments for signs of tongue thrust swallowing.
Gibbons, B. G., Williams, K. E., Riegel, K. E., (2007) Reducing Tube Feeds and Tongue Thrust: Combining an Oral-Motor and Behavioral Approach to Feeding, The American Journal of Occupational Therapy 61(4):394-401
Article reviewed by Esther Furman
This study was done to try and reduce tube feeds and tongue thrust. The participant was a 6 year old child with down syndrome who was diagnosed with an oral dysphagia. She presented with expulsion of all food/drink due to the tongue thrust. The goal of the study was to determine efficacy of a treatment plan combining oral motor and behavioral interventions for this child who was referred to an intensive day treatment feeding program for gastrostomy tube dependence and food refusal. There were 175 sessions over a period of 24 days to eliminate the tube and tongue thrust.
During the baseline phase the child was seated in an upright highchair. If the child accepted the bite, the feeder gave verbal praise. During the first treatment phase, she was seated in a highchair that was reclined to the lowest position. The feeder placed the food on a small rubber tipped NUK massage brush. After placing the NUK brush on the middle of the tongue, the feeder applied gentle pressure while twirling the brush, depositing the food onto the mid-portion of the tongue. Then, the feeder pulled the NUK forward, flattening the child's tongue. The NUK brush was used to deposit the food past the tongue thrust so that the child would have the opportunity to swallow. During the second treatment phase, liquids were given and a metal infant spoon was used instead of the NUK. After 175 sessions the researchers concluded that "this intervention demonstrated a successful combination of oral-motor and behavioral components in the treatment of a severe feeding problem."
Sinem Taslan, Sibel Biren, and Cenk Ceylanoglu (2010) Tongue Pressure Changes Before, During and After Crib Appliance Therapy. The Angle Orthodontist: May 2010, Vol. 80, No. 3, pp. 533-539.
Article reviewed by Ashira Glassenberg
A study was performed to see the tongue pressure changes before, during, and after crib appliances therapy for babies who display open bites. A crib appliance was given to each of the clients in the control group. Tongue pressures were measured using a diaphragm-type pressure transducer during resting position and swallowing. Tongue pressures were performed on the upper first molar, upper and lower central incisors, and on the middle spur of the crib appliance. The initial resting pressure of the upper molar increased after the appliance was inserted, but decreased for the next 12 months. The resting tongue pressure on the upper and lower incisors remained lower than the initial values at the end of 12 months. The resting and swallowing tongue pressures on the middle spur of the crib appliance decreased slowly during the ten months. Open bite values in the group increased a great deal by the end of the 12 months. The measurements at the end of 12 months confirmed that the tongue adapted to the crib therapy. Resting tongue pressure at the end of the 12th months remained lower than the initial values. The findings show the adaptive behavior of the tongue to open bite closure and new position of the incisors.
Covell, D. Smithpeter, J. (2010). Relapse of anterior open bites treated with orthodontic appliances with and without orofacial myofunctional therapy. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedic, 137(5), 605-614.
Article reviewed by Cheryl Zilber
To investigate the longterm effectiveness of Orofacial Myofunctional therapy, for maintaining closure of anterior open bites in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, a study was conducted which included 76 subjects with dental anterior open bites. The experimental cohort consisted of 27 subjects who received OMT and orthodontic treatment or retreatment. The control cohort comprised 49 subjects who had a history of orthodontic treatment with open-bite relapse. Overbite was evaluated by an OMT professional or orthodontist 2 months to 23 years after removal of the fixed appliances. Measurements were compared with t tests. In the control group the overbite relapse mean was 3.4 mm, ranging from 1.0mm to 7.0mm, while in the group that received OMT the relapse mean was 0.5mm ranging from 0.0mm to 4.0mm a clinicaly and statisticaly significant difference. This study demonstrated that OMT in conjunction with orthodontic treatment was highly effective in maintaining closure of anterior open bites compared with orthodontic treatment alone.