Tongue Thrust/Posture
Having the correct resting tongue posture is the number one goal of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy! A tongue at rest in the mouth produces constant, light forces that have the ability to either help or hurt the growth of the teeth, face and jaws; therefore, it is crucial that these forces are being placed agains the right spots.
Where should your tongue be at rest?
Your tongue should rest high in the top of your mouth, contacting the entire palate. This position provides support internally for your upper jaw and act as a guide for the proper growth of your face, jaws, teeth, and airway.
Low Tongue Posture
A common but abnormal condition that can develop at any time in someones life. In low tongue posture - the tongue is resting against the teeth, between the teeth, or on the floor of the mouth.
Low tongue posture typically develops due to mouth breathing, a sucking habit or tongue tie and must be corrected as soon as possible to restore normal function and balance to the orofacial muscles.
Tongue Thrust
An oral habit that occurs when the tongue pushes forward or through the sides of the teeth when swallowing or speaking. This puts heavy, irregular forces on the teeth and jaws that can cause other muscles to compensate in-order to help with swallowing.
A correct swallowing pattern starts with the tongue pushing up into the roof of the mouth, followed by a wave like motion from the tip of the tongue to the back of the tongue.
Signs of Tongue Thrust/Low Tongue Posture:
Mouth Breathing: The mouth is open at rest and the tongue is resting forward or sticking out.
Sucking Habits: When a child uses a bottle, pacifier, or thumb for a long period of time, the child does not remove the object every time they swallow. Instead they are swallowing around the object - typically a tongue thrust pattern.
Speech Concerns: Especially with “S” sounds.
Tongue-Tie: When tongue is restricted and unable to fully rest on the palate.
Orthodontic Relaps or longer time correcting teeth with braces.
Delayed eruption of adult teeth after primary teeth are lost due to the form of the tongue resting on the teeth and gums.
OMT is the best form of treatment for correcting low tongue posture and tongue thrust long term. Exercises are aimed at retraining the muscles of the tongue to learn new, lifelong habits without any appliances.
How Can OMT Help?
We are often able to see changes in the teeth by changing the resting position of the tongue!
