How to Stop Pushing Tongue Against Teeth?

Are you also looking for how to stop pushing tongue against teeth?

If yes, then you’re at the right place! 

If you are also facing the problem of tongue thrust, then your tongue would have pushed your upper and lower teeth forward while swallowing and speaking. It creates various orthodontic problems, including open bites. It is essential to stop this problem right here. 

Therefore, in this article, we have mentioned the essential details regarding tongue thrust and the best possible solutions to cure tongue thrust. Let’s have a glance at it.

What is a Tongue Thrust?

Tongue thrust refers to pushing the tongue towards the backward of the teeth while swallowing, speaking, and relaxing. It generally happens in children. But, when a child puts additional pressure on the teeth while swallowing or speaking, it disturbs their current alignment. This is called Tongue Thrust. 

Suppose the tongue thrust remains for the entire teenage. In that case, it can cause severe damage to the development of permanent teeth and even adversely impact the alignment of the jawbones and facial appearance. 

Tongue Thrust is generally seen as a subconscious habit and a child might not even realize that they’re pushing the teeth with their tongue. 

Causes of Tongue Thrust

There are several causes of tongue thrust. We have mentioned some of the common below: 

  • Your Narrow Palate or Upper Jaw Bone can be one of the common reasons for Tongue Thrust.
  • You might also get the Tongue Thrust due to allergies and congestion. 
  • Enlarged Tonsils are one of the main reasons for Tongue Thrusting. 
  • You can also get the Tongue Thrust due to the Tongue Tie. 
  • It would help if you did not use the bottles or pacifiers after 4-5 years. Otherwise, it can cause tongue thrusting. 
  • You should not use the sippy cup after 4- years of age. It also causes tongue thrust. 
  • One of the very common habits of children, thumb sucking, is also one of the biggest reasons for tongue thrust. 

How is Tongue Thrust Treated?

Tongue Thrust treatment is almost the same for both babies and adults. However, babies must also have an orthodontic device named “tongue crib” in their mouth’s roof. It helps them treat the open bite. In some cases, adults might also need orthodontic treatment. 

Often, dentists recommend the orofacial myology treatment. This treatment helps in treating the lips, jaw, and tongue placement. It benefits swallowing habits as well. The open bites also correct them over time. 

Dentists also suggest addressing nasal, allergy, or breathing issues because it generally involves tongue thrusting. In simple words, you must resolve breathing issues to succeed in swallowing therapy. You might also get to correct the speech therapy to fix any type of impediment, developed during the tongue thrust. 

Follow these recommended therapies, and you will see the benefit of your tongue thrust treatment over time. 

How to Stop Pushing Tongue Against Teeth At Home?

If you find tongue thrust in anyone, there are some simple exercises to fix tongue thrust at home. We have mentioned a step-by-step process: 

Step – 1: You must put sugar-free candy at your tongue’s tip. 

Step – 2: In the second step, you must press the tongue’s tip against your roof’s mouth. 

Step – 3: You have to push the lifesaver in the direction of the roof of the mouth. 

Step – 4: Keep your lips apart and bite your teeth together. 

Step – 5: Next, you must swallow while making sure that you have bitten your teeth and your lips are apart too. 

This exercise might feel a little challenging in the starting days, but it will help you get rid of the tongue thrust very soon. 

Final Words 

Tongue Thrust is one of the very common issues, especially in kids. It can lead to various severe orthodontic conditions. Therefore, we have mentioned one of the best possible solutions in this article. We hope you like the guide and find this guide helpful. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

  • Why do I keep pushing my teeth with my tongue?

You generally push your teeth with your tongue when you have the tongue thrust. It generally happens due to thumb sucking, excessive mouth breathing, swallowing challenges, large tongue, etc. However, it would help if you overcome this habit of pushing your teeth with your tongue. Otherwise, you will have to face various severe orthodontic issues.

  • What happens if you push your tongue against your teeth?

If you also push your tongue against your teeth while you swallow or speak. Then, it is a clear sign of tongue thrust. It can lead you to various severe orthodontic issues, including. Therefore, getting rid of this issue as soon as possible is better. 

  • How do you get rid of tongue thrust?

Orthodontic treatments are one of the best solutions for tongue thrust. It helps both people with open bite and oral problems. You should consult only with the experts about these problems. You can also go for speech therapy to get rid of tongue thrust. 

  • Why do I push my front teeth with my tongue?

You push your teeth in the case of a tongue thrust. It can also be called orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD). You would push your tongue against your upper and lower teeth while you swallow and speak.

  • Should my tongue push against my teeth?

Pushing your teeth with your tongue would create a constant force on the teeth and make your front teeth go forward. This might lead to various orthodontic issues, including an open bite, a gap between teeth, etc. If you do not treat the tongue thrust on time, it might lead you to various other issues. 

  • How do you train your tongue?

There is a very simple way to train your tongue. It will hardly take 5 minutes in a day. Let’s have a look at the way. 

  1. You have to move out your tongue. 
  2. Then, you must move it to the left tip as much as possible and hold it for 5 seconds.
  3. Next, you must move your tongue to the right as much as possible and hold for 5 seconds. 
  4. At last, you have to go in the straight direction for as much as possible. 
  5. You have to repeat this process only 5 times a day, which will train your tongue and help you get rid of the tongue thrust. 
  • Can tongue thrusting be corrected?

Orofacial myology is one of the most successful treatments for treating tongue thrusting. Such therapies even help correct the lips, jaw, and tongue placements. Plus, it also helps in correcting swallowing habits and opening your mouth. 

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Priya Singh

Hey readers! I'm Priya Singh Founder of (MercerOnline.com), I am full-time Digital Marketer, Organic Affiliate Marketer & a Blogger.

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