Over a period of 24hours swallowing will occur approximately 2000 times. During each swallow, the tongue can exert momentary pressures of 1 to 6 pounds on the surrounding structures of the mouth. This pressure will push the teeth and bone forward or apart. Over time Tongue thrusting can begin to move teeth into abnormal positions and cause growth distortions of the face and teeth.

The majority of patients with protruding upper teeth are tongue thrusters.

If the alignment of teeth is corrected; however, the patient continues to thrust their tongue, teeth may eventually move back to their original position. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from this habit are never treated, negatively affecting their Orthodontic results.

It is important that the tongue thrust habit is broken to ensure long term tooth alignment and dental health. Treatment for the habit of tongue thrusting involves the use of a removable dental appliance. This may be necessary to block the tongue away from the front teeth.

Signs of Tongue Thrusting:                   

• Protruding Upper front teeth
• Lip puckering and lip licking prior to swallowing
• An open bite

Tongue Thrusting may cause:

• long narrow face
• narrow, abnormal development of the palate
• elongation of the nose and abnormal airway path 
• limp muscles in the lips and neck 
• hyperactivity of facial muscles may cause the face to prematurely wrinkle / age

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