Tongue Thrust

Detailed Explanation:

Tongue thrust is a condition where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing, speech, or at rest. This can affect speech clarity, cause dental issues such as an open bite, and interfere with orthodontic treatment. Speech therapy for tongue thrust focuses on retraining the tongue to rest in the correct position and function properly during speech and swallowing.

Examples of Tongue Thrust:

  • A child with a tongue thrust may push their tongue forward when saying “s” sounds, leading to a lisp.

  • Speech therapy for tongue thrust may include exercises to strengthen the tongue and improve its positioning during swallowing.

  • An adult undergoing orthodontic treatment may need speech therapy to correct tongue thrust and prevent the teeth from shifting.

Related Terms:

Frequently Asked Questions about Tongue Thrust:

  1. What is tongue thrust?
    Tongue thrust is a condition where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing or speech, affecting dental alignment and speech clarity.

  2. How is tongue thrust treated?
    Speech therapy can help retrain the tongue to rest in the correct position and function properly during speech and swallowing.

  3. What causes tongue thrust?
    It can be caused by prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or improper swallowing patterns.

  4. Can tongue thrust affect orthodontic treatment?
    Yes, tongue thrust can interfere with orthodontic treatment by causing teeth to shift or preventing proper alignment.

  5. How long does it take to correct tongue thrust?
    The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the condition, but regular exercise practice usually leads to improvement over time.

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