Why do I push my tongue against my bottom teeth? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education

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Why Do I Push My Tongue Against My Bottom Teeth? Unraveling the Mystery

The habit of pushing your tongue against your bottom teeth, known as tongue thrust or reverse swallow, often stems from developmental factors, underlying medical conditions, or learned behaviors; understanding the root cause is the first step towards correcting this oral habit which can affect your dental health and speech. Why do I push my tongue against my bottom teeth? This article will explore the reasons behind this common, yet often unnoticed, behavior.

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Understanding Tongue Thrust: A Background

Tongue thrust, also referred to as a reverse swallow or infantile swallow, is a condition where the tongue presses forward against the front teeth (both upper and lower, though this article focuses on the lower) during swallowing, speech, and even at rest. While common in infants, it typically resolves as children mature and develop more sophisticated swallowing patterns. However, it can persist into adulthood. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective management.

Potential Causes of Tongue Thrust

Several factors can contribute to a persistent tongue thrust:

Developmental Factors: Certain developmental issues, such as delayed oral motor skills, can hinder the transition from an infantile swallow to a mature swallow.
Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids: These can obstruct the airway, prompting the tongue to push forward to facilitate breathing.
Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use: Prolonged sucking habits can alter oral muscle development, contributing to tongue thrust.
Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): A restricted tongue movement can lead to compensatory tongue positioning during swallowing.
Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing often leads to improper tongue posture.
Neurological Factors: In some instances, neurological conditions can affect muscle control and coordination, resulting in tongue thrust.

The Impact of Tongue Thrust

The persistent pressure from the tongue against the teeth can lead to a variety of dental and speech-related problems:

Malocclusion: Misalignment of the teeth (open bite, overjet).
Speech Impediments: Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (lisp).
Orthodontic Relapse: Reversal of orthodontic treatment.
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): In severe cases, it can impact swallowing efficiency.
Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder – TMJ): Due to abnormal muscle function.

Identifying Tongue Thrust: Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of tongue thrust is crucial for early intervention:

The tongue visibly protrudes between the teeth during swallowing or speech.
Mouth breathing, especially during sleep.
Difficulty closing the lips comfortably.
Open bite or other malocclusions.
Speech impediments, such as a lisp.
Soreness or fatigue in the tongue muscles.

Correcting Tongue Thrust: Treatment Options

Treatment typically involves a combination of therapies tailored to the individual’s needs:

Myofunctional Therapy: Exercises to strengthen oral and facial muscles and retrain swallowing patterns. This is often the most effective method.
Orthodontic Treatment: Braces or other appliances to correct malocclusion.
Speech Therapy: To address speech impediments.
Surgery (Rare): In cases of enlarged tonsils/adenoids or tongue-tie, surgery may be necessary.

The Role of Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is a cornerstone of tongue thrust correction. It involves a series of exercises designed to:

Improve tongue posture at rest.
Strengthen oral and facial muscles.
Retrain swallowing patterns.
Promote nasal breathing.

Therapy Component	Description
——————	——————————————————————————————————-
Tongue Exercises	Focus on strengthening and coordinating tongue movements for proper placement during swallowing.
Lip Exercises	Improve lip closure and strength, essential for a proper swallow.
Facial Exercises	Strengthen facial muscles to support proper tongue and lip function.
Breathing Exercises	Encourage nasal breathing, which helps maintain proper tongue posture.

Preventing Tongue Thrust: Early Intervention

Preventive measures, especially in children, can significantly reduce the risk of developing persistent tongue thrust:

Limit thumb sucking and pacifier use.
Address mouth breathing through allergy management or ENT consultation.
Encourage proper oral hygiene and muscle development.
Seek early intervention for speech or feeding difficulties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Treatment

Inconsistent Therapy: Skipping exercises or not following through with the recommended treatment plan.
Incorrect Technique: Performing exercises improperly can be ineffective or even detrimental.
Lack of Patience: Correcting tongue thrust requires time and dedication.
Ignoring Underlying Issues: Failing to address contributing factors, such as allergies or enlarged tonsils.

Finding a Qualified Professional

It’s crucial to seek treatment from a qualified professional experienced in myofunctional therapy and orofacial myology. Look for:

Certified Myofunctional Therapists (CMFT).
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) with specialized training in oral motor therapy.
Orthodontists with expertise in tongue thrust correction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I push my tongue against my bottom teeth even when I’m not swallowing?

This indicates an incorrect resting tongue posture. Ideally, the tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth (the palate). If it consistently rests against the bottom teeth, it’s likely due to learned habits, underlying anatomical issues, or muscle weakness, maintaining the tongue thrust pattern even at rest.

Can tongue thrust affect my bite?

Yes, absolutely. The constant pressure of the tongue against the teeth, especially over a prolonged period, can lead to malocclusion, such as an open bite (where the front teeth don’t meet) or other misalignments.

Is tongue thrust the same as a lisp?

Not exactly, but they are often related. A lisp is a speech impediment where certain sounds (typically “s” and “z”) are mispronounced. Tongue thrust can contribute to a lisp because the tongue’s incorrect positioning interferes with proper articulation.

How long does it take to correct tongue thrust?

The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition, the individual’s commitment to therapy, and the presence of any underlying issues. Myofunctional therapy typically lasts several months to a year or more.

Can tongue thrust return after treatment?

Relapse is possible, especially if the underlying causes are not addressed or if the therapy is discontinued prematurely. Consistent maintenance and follow-up appointments are essential.

Does age matter when treating tongue thrust?

While earlier intervention is generally more effective, tongue thrust can be corrected at any age. However, adults may require more dedication and persistence due to established habits.

Are there any exercises I can do at home to help correct tongue thrust?

Yes, but it’s crucial to learn the correct techniques from a qualified professional. Some common exercises involve tongue strengthening, lip closure, and swallowing retraining. Avoid self-treating without guidance.

Will braces alone fix my tongue thrust problem?

Braces can correct the alignment of the teeth, but they won’t address the underlying muscle imbalance. Myofunctional therapy is often necessary to prevent orthodontic relapse.

What happens if I don’t treat my tongue thrust?

Untreated tongue thrust can lead to worsening malocclusion, persistent speech impediments, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of orthodontic relapse after braces.

Is tongue thrust a genetic condition?

While genetics may play a minor role in predisposing someone to certain oral structures or muscle development patterns, tongue thrust is primarily a learned habit or a result of other factors like enlarged tonsils or thumb sucking.

How do I find a qualified myofunctional therapist near me?

You can search online directories of certified myofunctional therapists, ask your dentist or orthodontist for recommendations, or contact professional organizations such as the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT).

Why do I push my tongue against my bottom teeth even when I am aware of it?

This often reflects the strength of the habitual pattern and the need for consistent conscious effort to correct it. Myofunctional therapy aims to make the correct tongue posture automatic, but it requires dedication and practice to break the ingrained habit.