What is a Tongue Thrust?
A tongue thrust is where the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth instead of positioning properly on the roof of the mouth. This habit is common in infants but should typically resolve as a child grows. When tongue thrust persists beyond early childhood, it can indicate an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD).
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) involve improper muscle function and coordination in the face, mouth, and throat. Tongue thrust is a key sign of an OMD because it reflects an imbalance in tongue posture and swallowing patterns. This can contribute to various complications, including:
Speech difficulties, such as lisps and articulation errors.
Dental misalignment, leading to open bites or orthodontic issues.
Mouth breathing, which can affect overall health and facial development.
Swallowing difficulties, resulting in inefficient digestion and other oral issues.
Addressing Tongue Thrust with Myofunctional Therapy
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) helps retrain tongue posture and muscle function, promoting correct swallowing patterns. By addressing tongue thrust early, individuals can prevent complications and improve overall oral and facial health.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized approach that focuses on the function and coordination of the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. This therapy is gaining recognition for its wide-ranging benefits, not just for speech and oral health, but also for overall well-being, including sleep, energy levels, focus, and emotional regulation.
1. Breathing
Chronic Mouth Breathing
Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a host of health issues, including dry mouth, increased risk of infections, and improper facial development. OMT helps retrain oral and facial muscles to promote nasal breathing, reducing snoring and improving oxygen intake.
Reduced Oxygen Intake and Fatigue
Poor breathing habits can lower oxygen levels in the blood, leading to fatigue, reduced cognitive function, and poor concentration. By improving airway function and promoting nasal breathing, OMT supports better oxygenation and overall energy levels.
Increased Risk of Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Mouth breathing is associated with conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can severely impact sleep quality. OMT helps by encouraging better tongue posture and muscle coordination, reducing airway obstruction during sleep.
2. Speech and Communication
Articulation Difficulties
OMT addresses speech sound errors such as lisps and distortions by improving tongue posture and oral muscle coordination.
Stuttering and Fluency
Proper breath support and muscle function are crucial for fluency in speech. OMT can assist individuals who stutter by promoting controlled breathing and muscle coordination.
Voice Strain
OMT helps individuals use their voice more efficiently by improving breath support and reducing strain on the vocal cords, leading to healthier vocal production.
3. Swallowing and Digestion
Tongue Thrust and Swallowing Issues
Improper tongue posture, such as tongue thrust, can interfere with normal swallowing patterns. OMT helps retrain the tongue for a proper swallow, improving digestion and reducing the risk of choking.
Difficulty Chewing and Processing Food
Weak oral muscles can contribute to difficulty chewing, which can lead to inefficient digestion. Strengthening these muscles through OMT improves the ability to break down food properly.
Increased Risk of Digestive Issues
Poor swallowing patterns can lead to issues like acid reflux and bloating. Correcting these habits with OMT can aid in more efficient digestion.
4. Oral and Dental Health
Misaligned Teeth and Malocclusion
Improper tongue posture can contribute to dental misalignment and bite issues. OMT supports orthodontic treatment by helping maintain proper tongue and lip posture.
Gum Disease and Cavities
Mouth breathing can dry out the oral cavity, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities. By promoting nasal breathing, OMT helps maintain oral moisture and reduces bacterial growth.
Orthodontic Relapse
Even after braces, improper oral habits can cause teeth to shift back. OMT supports long-term orthodontic success by reinforcing healthy oral function.
5. Facial and Jaw Development
Altered Facial Growth
Mouth breathing and poor oral posture can lead to long-face syndrome and other facial imbalances. OMT helps guide proper facial growth and structure.
Jaw Pain and TMJ Dysfunction
Jaw tension and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can result from poor oral posture. OMT helps alleviate these issues by promoting balanced muscle function.
Facial Asymmetry
Uneven muscle use can contribute to facial asymmetry. OMT strengthens and balances facial muscles for improved symmetry and function.
6. Sleep and Energy Levels
Poor Sleep Quality
Improper tongue posture can obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to restless nights and fatigue. OMT helps optimize tongue position, improving airflow and sleep quality.
Daytime Drowsiness and Brain Fog
Poor breathing habits can contribute to low energy and brain fog. OMT enhances oxygen flow, leading to better daytime alertness and focus.
Behavioral Issues in Children
Children with undiagnosed sleep-disordered breathing often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. By addressing breathing and muscle function, OMT can help improve focus and behavior in children.
Final Thoughts
OMT is a powerful yet often overlooked therapy that offers extensive benefits beyond just speech improvement. By promoting proper breathing, posture, and muscle coordination, it enhances overall health, energy, and well-being. If you or a loved one experiences difficulties with sleep, speech, or focus, exploring OMT with a trained professional could be a transformative step toward better health and quality of life.
References
Guilleminault, C., et al. "Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Myofunctional Therapy." Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2013.
Hahn, J., et al. "The Impact of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy on Speech and Breathing Patterns." International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2018.
Guimarães, K. C., et al. "Effects of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Patients with Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome." American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2009.
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