Tongue Thrust & Myofunctional Therapy
Explore how tongue thrust and swallowing patterns may influence oral function, dental development, and orthodontic stability.
Tongue thrust is a pattern in which the tongue moves forward or between the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or at rest. While a mild tongue thrust may not always cause noticeable problems, persistent patterns can affect oral function, dental development, and orthodontic stability over time.
How Tongue Thrust Affects Oral Function
Every time we swallow, the tongue should press against the roof of the mouth rather than pushing forward against or between the teeth. When the tongue pushes forward instead, it can place pressure on the teeth that may contribute to an open bite, dental crowding, or orthodontic relapse.
Tongue thrust may also be connected to other patterns such as mouth breathing, low tongue posture, and open-mouth posture, all of which can affect the way the face and mouth function together.
The Connection to Orthodontic Stability
Orthodontic treatment aligns the teeth, but if the underlying muscle patterns that contributed to misalignment are not addressed, the teeth may shift back over time. This is one reason why orthodontists may recommend myofunctional therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
By retraining the tongue to rest and swallow correctly, myofunctional therapy may help support the long-term stability of orthodontic results.
How Therapy Addresses Tongue Thrust
Myofunctional therapy uses targeted exercises to retrain the swallowing pattern and encourage proper tongue posture. Over time, the goal is for the tongue to naturally rest on the roof of the mouth and swallow without pushing forward.
Therapy is individualized based on the patient's age, specific patterns, and goals. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine the appropriate approach and number of sessions.
Have Questions About This Topic?
Carrie offers complimentary phone consultations to help you determine whether myofunctional therapy may be appropriate for you or your child.
Contact UsRelated Resources
Tongue Tie & Myofunctional Therapy
Learn how restricted tongue movement may affect oral function, swallowing, breathing, and tongue posture, and how myofunctional therapy can support care before and after a frenectomy when appropriate.
Read More
Sleep Apnea, Breathing & Myofunctional Therapy
Explore the relationship between oral posture, breathing patterns, airway function, sleep-related concerns, and the role myofunctional therapy may have as part of coordinated care.
Read More
TMD, Jaw Tension & Myofunctional Therapy
Learn how jaw tension, facial muscle patterns, oral posture, and other functional habits may contribute to discomfort around the temporomandibular joint.
Read More
