Tongue Thrust:
Diagnosis and Treatment in Vacaville CA

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During a checkup at Natalie Yang Orthodontics Orthodontics in Vacaville, CA, a doctor checks for tongue thrust with a depressor.

An open mouth with tongue thrust and white spots on tonsils, seen at Natalie Yang Orthodontics in Vacaville, CA.

What Causes Tongue Thrust?

Tongue thrust may arise from a combination of genetic and environmental influences. Common contributing factors are:

Early childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use

Bottle feeding beyond recommended age

Inherited oral structures, such as tongue tie

Prolonged early feeding and swallowing patterns

A close-up of upper and lower teeth with a front gap, a tongue thrust sign, features Natalie Yang Orthodontics Orthodontics in Vacaville, CA.

“This orthodontic patient in Vacaville, CA has both anterior and lateral tongue thrust, which is causing an open bite in the front and the back.”

Types of Tongue Thrust

There are different kinds of tongue thrust, which can affect teeth, alignment, and the bite in different ways.

The most typical kind is anterior tongue thrust. This is when the tongue pushes forward against the teeth, which causes gapping and an anterior open bite.

Another kind is lateral tongue thrust, when the tongue pushes against the sides of teeth. This can cause crossbites and uneven wear on teeth.

A patient may have both anterior and lateral tongue thrust, which can cause problems for the bite both in the front and the back.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Tongue Thrust

A professional evaluation is crucial for accurately diagnosing tongue thrust. Typical signs include noticeable gaps between teeth, open bites, crossbites, and feeling like pushing on the teeth with your tongue.
During an assessment, specialists carefully examine tongue positioning during rest, speech, and swallowing to identify the condition and assess its severity.
Oftentimes we will recommend working with a myofunctional therapist for the best results.

“This patient at our office in Vacaville, CA has an anterior tongue thrust, which has caused an anterior open bite and gaps.”

At Natalie Yang Orthodontics Orthodontics in Vacaville, CA, a dentist checks a young boy’s teeth for tongue thrust in the dental chair.

Tongue Thrust in Children

If a child is displaying signs of tongue thrust, an early orthodontic exam by age 7 is recommended. A professional examination and orthodontic treatment can help avoid more severe developmental issues in the future. If left unaddressed, tongue thrust can adversely affect dental growth and may lead to more invasive treatments, such as jaw surgery.

Treatment Options for Tongue Thrust

Treatment for tongue thrust often involves a combination of orthodontic treatment and myofunctional therapy.Orthodontic treatment with either braces or clear aligners will address the effects of tongue thrust (alignment, bite), whereas myofunctional therapy will address the cause (poor tongue posture or irregular swallow).Addressing both the cause and effect will ensure a more stable, long-lasting result.

Four steps of tongue thrust treatment at Natalie Yang Orthodontics in Vacaville, CA: tongue on palate, swallow without thrust, swallow around saliva swab, lips closed.

“An example of an exercise that may be recommended.”

Myofunctional Therapy for Tongue Thrust

Myofunctional therapy addresses incorrect tongue positioning and posture by improving the strength of certain oral muscles. Through specific exercises and techniques, patients are guided to adopt proper swallowing habits and correct tongue placement.

Four tongue thrust therapy exercises—tongue push-up, tongue click, lip closure, and chin tuck, at Natalie Yang Orthodontics in Vacaville, CA, illustrated by labeled drawings of a woman performing each.

“Myofunctional therapy, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment in Vacaville CA can help you achieve stable, long-lasting results.”

Smiling for a selfie indoors, three young women gather after discussing tongue thrust at Natalie Yang Orthodontics in Vacaville, CA.

Long-Term Management and Prognosis

Effective management of tongue thrust relies on dedication to continued care and regular maintenance. Consistent follow-up visits can help track progress and maintain long-term results. With the right treatment plan and dedication to prescribed exercises, patients will see notable improvements in oral function and teeth alignment.

FAQ

How do I know if I have a tongue thrust?

Some signs include tooth gaps (especially gapping that becomes worse over time), trouble swallowing properly, or speech difficulties, like a lisp. However, these symptoms can also result from other oral conditions, so obtaining a professional evaluation is strongly recommended.

Will my teeth straighten naturally if I correct my tongue thrust?

Addressing tongue thrust helps prevent further misalignment, but existing crooked teeth will likely still need treatment. Schedule a free orthodontic consultation with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Natalie Yang to discuss your specific situation and treatment options.

How can tongue thrust affect orthodontic treatment?

Tongue thrust may interfere with treatments like braces and aligners by resisting tooth movement or lengthening treatment time. Treating tongue thrust alongside orthodontic care can speed up treatment and ensure a more stable result.