Tongue thrust in adults is caused by several different dynamics, most commonly being an oral habit, misalignment of teeth, orthodontic appliances, speech or swallowing disorders, breathing through the mouth, tongue and lip ties, and/or dysbiosis in the oral microbiome.
Oral habits such as thumb sucking, pen-biting, and nail-biting are common reasons for a tongue thrust in adults. These habits can cause the development of a tongue thrust as the adolescent ages and transitions into adulthood.
If this oral habit is not broken at the onset, a tongue thrust can begin to develop and become more and more noticeable.
Misaligned teeth can also cause tongue thrust in adults. If one or both of the front top teeth are pushed forward, this can cause the tongue to rest between the two front teeth rather than behind them when at rest.
This can cause ongoing friction on the teeth and alignment of the tongue, leading to tongue thrust in adults.
Sometimes orthodontic appliances installed for the correction of malocclusion can cause the tongue to thrust. The appliances can be uncomfortable and cause the tongue to push forward against them.
Speech or swallowing disorders can cause tongue thrust in adults. Sometimes with speech disorders, the lips and tongue can thrust forward when speaking, this can cause the tongue to thrust when at rest.
The same can happen with swallowing disorders as the tongue can thrust forward when swallowing and then not be placed back at rest properly.
Breathing through the mouth can cause tongue thrust in adults. When breathing through the mouth, the natural rhythm and breathing patterns become disrupted and the tongue can become misaligned and thrust forward when at rest.
Tongue and lip ties can also build up and cause tongue thrust in adults. Tongue ties occur when the tongue has a tight frenulum and becomes restricted, while lip ties are usually caused by tight tissue that attaches the upper lip to the top gum.
Both of these phenomena can cause the tongue to become misaligned when at rest creating tongue thrust.
Dysbiosis in the oral microbiome refers to an imbalance in the population of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms that live in the mouth. This imbalance can cause the development of tongue thrust due to the disruption of the microbial population.
This microbial imbalance can create an environment that is favorable for the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeast, which are linked to tongue thrust in adults.
What is tongue thrust a symptom of?
Tongue thrust is a common condition involving unconscious pushing of the tongue forward against the front teeth and lips during swallowing. This abnormal resting and swallowing posture can interfere with normal development of the upper and lower jaws, cause speech and articulation problems, and can affect the normal alignment of the teeth.
Tongue thrust can be a sign of a developmental problem, an oral habit, or may be caused by certain medical problems. It can also be caused by a less than ideal positioning of the tongue during sleep, due to having an overactive gag reflex, or through incorrect oral habits like finger or pacifier sucking.
Tongue thrust can also be a sign of an underlying respiratory issue like enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, or asthma. Tongue thrust is often treated with a combination of clinical intervention to correct or minimize the abnormal oral habits, along with dental treatments to realign the teeth and correct the abnormal jaw development.
It is important to have a professional evaluation to determine the cause and correct treatment option.
When should I worry about tongue thrust?
If you or your child are experiencing any concerning symptoms in regards to tongue thrust, such as difficulty speaking clearly, difficulty swallowing, limited mouth opening, teeth alignment issues, difficulty with chewing, or jaw pain, then it is important to seek medical advice from a health care professional to determine if there is an underlying medical issue causing these symptoms.
In some cases, tongue thrust may be part of a larger medical issue, such as Parkinson’s disease or Cerebral Palsy. In these cases, early intervention is important in order to treat the underlying issue and reduce the risk of further complications.
Even if there is no underlying medical issue, it is important for parents and caregivers to monitor their child’s oral habits. If tongue thrusting is left untreated in childhood, it may lead to dental and speech-related issues in adulthood.
If you suspect your child may have a tongue thrust, it is important to consult your doctor or speech-language pathologist to determine the cause of the issue and a course of treatment that can help reduce the symptoms.
Is tongue thrusting a disorder?
Yes, tongue thrusting is a disorder, also known as an “anomalous swallowing pattern. ” It occurs when the tongue protrudes forward during swallowing, which is not normal. This can interfere with proper speech, cause difficulty swallowing, and lead to dental problems like misalignment, as well as other issues related to improper oral posture.
Tongue thrusting can be caused by a range of factors, including allergies, muscle imbalance, thumb-sucking, neuromuscular disorders, autism, and Down syndrome. Treatment generally involves myofunctional therapy, which is a program of exercises to help retrain the tongue muscles and the swallowing pattern.
Surgery may also be an option, depending on the severity of the tongue thrusting. Additionally, addressing environmental or other triggers that might be causing the tongue thrusting, such as allergies, can help reduce symptoms.
Can tongue thrust get worse?
Yes, tongue thrust can get worse. It is a condition that is caused by multiple factors, including allergies, bacterial infections, enlarged adenoids and tonsils, and a large or overactive tongue. With this condition there is a tendency to push the tongue forward and against the front teeth, resulting in malocclusions.
Over time, this can cause the malocclusion to become worse, affecting the alignment of the teeth and facial structure. This is why it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis, to minimize long-term complications.
Treatment may include habit retraining techniques, such as tooth brushing, tongue exercises and other techniques to discourage the undesirable habit of thrusting the tongue. Speech therapy or orthodontic treatment may also be recommended to correct any dental issues that have occurred as a result of the tongue thrust.
How do I know if my baby’s tongue thrust is gone?
It is difficult to know for certain if your baby’s tongue thrust is gone because it can be hard to tell if they still have the reflexive behavior. However, the tongue thrust typically starts to go away at around 6 months of age; however, it can last until 18 months or longer in some babies.
As your baby reaches their 6-month milestone, evaluate the frequency and range of their tongue movements. Bigger expressions, like smiling or laughing, should include a pause between the tongue flicking and the lip movement.
Additionally, you should observe if they are able to suck or hold a pacifier between their tongue and lips. If you are noticing any of these signs, it may be a sign that the tongue thrust is starting to fade.
Another way to know if your baby’s tongue thrust is gone is to look for the presence of teeth. When the teeth arrive, there may be a decrease in the tongue thrust reflex. Some babies may also be able to stick out their tongue to their lips and make the “m” sound.
If your baby is able to do this, then it is a good indication that the reflex is starting to go away.
Lastly, if you are still not sure if your baby’s tongue thrust is totally gone, you may want to speak with your pediatrician or a Speech-Language pathologist. They can assess your baby’s tongue thrust reflex, as well as the other development milestones to make sure the reflex is not indicative of any underlying issues or delay.
How long does it take for tongue thrust to go away?
It generally takes six to nine months for tongue thrust to disappear after beginning treatment. Treatment consists of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles and correct the position of the tongue.
The amount of time it takes to see improvement will vary depending on the individual, their age, and the severity of their tongue thrust. Additionally, treatment success is also dependent on consistency with regular practice and implementation of the exercises.
Working in conjunction with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) experienced with tongue thrust therapy can help ensure that the treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs and that progress is being monitored.
How do you evaluate tongue thrusting?
Tongue thrusting is an abnormal swallowing pattern in which the tongue forcefully pushes against or between the teeth. Evaluation of a tongue thrust is typically done by an experienced speech-language pathologist.
Initially, they will conduct a detailed case history and an oral examination to note any structural or positional characteristics of the client’s tongue thrust and identify underlying causes, such as allergies, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and developmental delays.
Subsequently, they will observe the client’s oral structure, including the oral cavity, lips, dental arches, jaw alignment, and movement of the tongue, to determine if there are any structural abnormalities influencing the tongue thrust.
They might also ask the client to read, pronounced single words, imitate tongue movements, regurgitate solids, and swallow liquids. Along with all this, the therapist will provide the client with exercises to increase nasal airflow and improve the tongue’s retraction, as well as oral-motor exercises to maintain tongue retraction during swallowing.
In some cases, such as those involving speech and language deficits, the therapist may suggest referral to a speech pathologist. With proper treatment and follow-up, tongue thrusting can usually be resolved.
How do you relax your tongue from anxiety?
First, start by practicing deep, slow breathing, and focusing on the feeling of each breath as it passes in and out of your nostrils. Visualize the tension in your tongue slowly melting away as you focus on your breathing.
Secondly, practice progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and then releasing each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and working up towards your head. As you do this, be sure to focus on consciously relaxing the muscles in your tongue.
Finally, practice mindfulness techniques, such as listening to calming music, going for a slow walk, or doing some gentle yoga poses. Focusing on being present in the moment and noticing all the sensations throughout your body can help to lower your overall level of anxiety and help you relax your tongue.
What are tongue symptoms of anxiety?
Anxiety can cause a variety of tongue symptoms, including a dry mouth, a bitter taste in the mouth, burning tongue sensation, numbness and tingling, teeth grinding, soreness and swelling, and a fissured tongue.
A dry mouth is a common symptom of anxiety that can significantly reduce the quality of life. As saliva helps to protect our mouth from acid, bacteria, and viruses, the absence of saliva can make a person more susceptible to developing cavities and other diseases.
Anxiety can also cause a bitter taste in the mouth. This is because certain hormones, often released during periods of heightened stress or anxiety, may cause a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth.
In some cases, individuals may experience a burning sensation in their tongue, which may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. This sensation can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, vitamin deficiencies, or an allergy or sensitivity to certain foods.
Anxiety can also lead to teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism. This can cause soreness and swelling in the tongue, as well as damage to the teeth.
Numbness and tingling in the tongue is another symptom of anxiety. It is most likely caused by the same hormones that cause a dry mouth.
Finally, some people may develop a fissured tongue, which is a condition in which tiny grooves form in the tongue. This condition is believed to be caused by altered levels of hormones, including hormones released during periods of anxiety.
Can anxiety mess with your tongue?
Yes, anxiety can mess with the tongue in multiple ways. Firstly, people who experience high levels of anxiety can experience difficulty talking, referred to as “anecdotal dysfluency. ” This can cause them to repeat words, add in um’s and ah’s, and struggle to find the right words.
Additionally, some people with anxiety can experience a “lump in the throat” sensation that can be felt on the tongue, as well as a tightness in the jaw, neck and tongue. Additionally, people with anxiety may also experience a dry mouth due to increased tension.
This can cause a loss of the salivary reflexes, resulting in a feeling of constriction and dryness on the tongue. Last but not least, anxiety can also lead to an increase in acid reflux which can, in turn, cause changes in the tongue or the mouth, such as an altered sense of taste or a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth.
Is tongue thrust common?
Yes, tongue thrust is a common condition usually found in children and young adults. It occurs when the tongue moves forward or comes in contact with the teeth during speech or swallowing. This can cause speech impediments and other dental problems.
Tongue thrust can be caused by improper oral habits such as sucking the thumb or the use of a pacifier. Other factors such as allergies, enlarged adenoids, and structural abnormalities of the mouth can also contribute to the problem.
Treatment often includes physical therapy, speech therapy, and/or orthodontic treatment. Speech therapists are often the first line of defense against tongue thrust and can teach children appropriate tongue movements as well as work on speech sounds and overall language development.
Orthodontic appliances may also be used to reposition the tongue and improve its functionality. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to correct the tongue thrust and restore proper oral function.
How do I stop tension on my tongue?
To stop tension on your tongue, it’s important to first understand what is causing it. Tension on the tongue can develop from a variety of causes, including stress, tension in the jaw, teeth clenching, misalignment of the teeth or jaw, poor posture, and poor nutrition.
The best strategy to stop tongue tension is to reduce stress and relax your muscles. Taking up relaxation exercises such as yoga, tai chi, or meditation can be beneficial. Additionally, making dietary changes such as avoiding caffeine, sugar, and processed foods can also help to reduce tension.
Postural changes can also be beneficial. Try to maintain good posture when sitting or standing, and make sure your neck and shoulders are relaxed. Additionally, make sure to keep your chin up and your head level.
Good postural habits can ensure that your teeth and jaw are properly aligned, reducing tension on your tongue.
Finally, visiting a dentist or orthodontist can help to diagnose and treat any issues with your teeth or jaw that could be causing tongue tension.
In conclusion, reducing stress, maintaining good posture, making diet changes, and seeing a specialist if necessary, can all be helpful strategies for reducing tongue tension.
How do you fix a thrusting tongue?
The treatment for thrusting tongue depends on the underlying cause. It’s important to identify if there is a medical condition that is causing the tongue thrusting behavior in order to receive the best treatment possible.
Tongue thrusting in infants can often resolve on its own and early intervention is not necessary. In these cases oral exercises and techniques can be used to help control the tongue thrust.
If an underlying medical condition is causing the thrusting, such as a jaw or teeth misalignment, speech therapy may be necessary. Speech therapy can help teach a person how to properly position their tongue in order to have better speaking and swallowing abilities.
Other treatments such as myofunctional therapy and orthodontic appliances can be used to correct any misalignments in the teeth and jaw.
It is best to talk to a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and to develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Why is my tongue pushing against my teeth?
There can be a few different causes for your tongue pushing against your teeth. It could be due to neurological conditions like muscular dystrophy or spasticity and dysphonia, which cause the muscles in your tongue to involuntarily contract and push against your teeth.
It may also be caused by a misalignment of your jaws, resulting in your teeth not fitting correctly and your tongue pushing against them. Habits such as teeth grinding and clenching, along with smoking and drinking alcohol, can also erode your teeth over time and cause your tongue to push against them.
Tongue thrusting, or pushing the tongue against the teeth and lips, may also be done out of habit or from an incorrect swallowing pattern. Finally, it could also be a sign of an issue in your mouth such as tooth decay, an infection, a misaligned dental appliance, or poor oral hygiene.
If your tongue is pushing against your teeth, it is important to visit your dentist to determine the cause and find the right solution.
