General Information On Tongue Thrust

•      What are orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD)? With OMD, the tongue moves forward in an exaggerated way during speech and/or swallowing. The tongue may lie too far forward during rest or may protrude between the upper and lower teeth during speech and swallowing, and at rest. (ASLH Association. n.d.)
Tongue Thrust in Infants- In the first four months the tongue thrust reflex protects the infant against choking. When any unusual substance is placed on the tongue, it automatically protrudes outward rather than back. (Starting Solid Foods, n.d.)

•        What are the characteristics of a tongue thrust speech?
 Individuals with a tongue thrust usually have a “frontal lisp” during speech. A frontal lisp is when the tongue is against or between the teeth as the speaker produces sounds like /s/, /z/ and sometimes even /sh/, /ch/, and /j/.

•        Dentition. The improper pressure of the tongue against the front teeth during the tongue thrust can affect the growth and development of the front teeth. This may cause the front teeth to flair out, or cause an open bite where the upper and lower teeth do not come together when the jaws are closed.

•        Swallowing and biting. During swallowing, the tongue moves forward abnormally. If there is an open bite due to the tongue thrust, this can cause problems with biting food. 

•       A person with tongue thrust may demonstrate one or more of the following symptoms: facial grimace and/or pursing of the lips when swallowing mouth breathing due to allergies or enlarged tonsils and adenoids an open bite condition of the teeth when at rest, (for example, while watching television or reading a book) an open mouth posture with a forward tongue position is noted. (cincinnatichildrens)