SPS Tongue Thrust Programming is based upon cutting-edge principles, years of experience, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults.  Understanding the basic principles and implications of one’s  tongue thrust disorder is the first step in achieving a successful outcome.

What is a Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust is the process of pushing the tongue forward against or between the teeth when swallowing.  Constant pressure of the tongue against the teeth can move teeth, thus causing malocclusion.  We at SPS work closely with dentists and orthodontists in diagnosing and treating tongue thrust in children and adults.

What Causes a Tongue Thrust?
The common causes of tongue thrust include allergies, enlarged adenoids, thumb or finger sucking, or a tongue that is “anchored” to the floor of the mouth.  Heredity, neurological, and/or muscular problems may be contributing factors as well.

How Speech May be Affected
When a low, forward tongue position is present, sounds such as “s,” “z,” “sh,” “ch,” and “j” may be distorted.  Children and adults who persist in using a “lax” sounding “r” may have specific weakness of the tongue that contributes to their articulation difficulty.  When a tongue thrust is present, other articulators such as the jaw and lips may be weak as well.  Generally, it is difficult to correct these articulatory errors without addressing the tongue thrust pattern.

Possible Consequences of a Tongue Thrust
A tongue thrust may lead to slowing of orthodontic correction or possible orthodontic relapse.  Other consequences include periodontal problems, difficulty wearing dentures and dental appliances, and/or  temporomandibular joint problems.  An unusual, perhaps unpleasant, appearance when chewing and eating is quite common.

Tongue Thrust Therapy
The purpose of therapy is to replace behaviors that appear harmful to the teeth and/or appearance, with alternative ones that are neutral or beneficial in their effects. Treatment at SPS consists of training, strengthening, and maintaining muscle patterns.  One must also learn appropriate tongue and lip resting positions.

Various exercises are prescribed to prepare the tongue and lip muscles for the movements required during eating and drinking.  Finally, assignments are made to strengthen these corrected patterns to a more automatic level.  When orthodontic treatment is administered, the patient is seen periodically to ensure permanency of therapeutic results.

When Should Treatment Begin?
Treatment can begin with children as young as 8 years of age.  At this age, the purpose of therapy is to make appropriate changes that will facilitate normal growth and development. 10-to-17-year-olds who are seen for tongue thrust therapy often are quite successful due to their concerns about physical appearance and success in orthodontic treatment.  Adults are usually well motivated, practice faithfully, and make quick progress in therapy.

Results of Treatment
Changing habits requires commitment, discipline, and effort.  Within a few months, new oral muscular patterns can be developed.  With consistent practice, long lasting results can be achieved.