What is a Tongue Thrust and Tongue Therapy

In this episode, we'll be delving into some important oral health terms you might not be familiar with. We'll be exploring topics like tongue thrust, swallow, tongue tie, and tongue therapy, and how they can impact your overall health and wellbeing.

A tongue thrust swallow can cause a lot of dental problems, speech difficulties, sleep issues, and even behavioral problems. It's crucial to recognize how habits like finger sucking and pacifier use can lead to teeth shifting or moving forward, which can cause an overbite or open bite. It's important to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional. Insurance may not cover myofunctional therapy, but there are options such as payment plans, grants, and government-funded programs. The goal is for children and adults to thrive, not just survive, and addressing these issues early on can prevent future health problems. Early intervention is key to preventing myofunctional disorders that can impact facial growth and development.

Key Takeaways:

-Tongue thrust swallow is when the tongue pushes forward against the teeth instead of up on the roof of the mouth.

-It can lead to dental problems, speech difficulties, sleep difficulties, and behavioral issues.

-Oral habits like finger sucking or pacifier use can cause teeth to shift or move forward, leading to dental problems like an overbite or an open bite.

-A tongue tie is when the tissue or frenulum underneath the tongue is tethered tight.

-It can cause low tongue posture, difficulty swallowing, and pushing up against your teeth.

-Seeking a qualified healthcare professional such as a speech-language pathologist, dentist, myofunctional therapist, or orthodontist can help determine the best course of treatment for these oral health issues.

-Early intervention is crucial to preventing myofunctional disorders that can impact facial growth and development.

-Proper function leads to proper form, and early intervention can create beautiful faces.

-Good oral hygiene, healthy habits, and regular checkups with a healthcare professional can help prevent and treat these oral health issues.

-If left untreated, a tongue thrust can cause dental, gastric, and GI problems, sleep apnea, weight issues, anxiety, depression, and choking on food.

-Correcting tongue posture and habits is important for overall health and self-esteem.