Tongue Thrust
Swallowing with tongue pushing against your teeth (& improper resting posture) can contribute to malocclusion and movement of teeth post orthodontics.
What is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust, also called an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD), is a swallowing pattern in which the tongue pushes forward or sideways against the teeth during swallowing rather than pressing upward against the palate. Since we swallow approximately 500–1,000 times per day, the repeated force of the tongue against the teeth can cause significant dental movement over time.
Tongue thrust is closely associated with improper tongue resting posture. A healthy resting posture involves the tongue sitting lightly suctioned against the roof of the mouth with the lips sealed and breathing through the nose. When the tongue rests low in the mouth or pushes forward, it disrupts the balance of forces that maintain tooth alignment and jaw development.
This pattern is one of the most common reasons for orthodontic relapse—teeth shifting back after braces or aligners. If the underlying tongue pattern is not corrected, the same forces that caused the original misalignment will continue to act on the teeth after orthodontic treatment ends.
Signs & Symptoms
- Visible tongue pushing against or between teeth during swallowing
- Open bite (front teeth don’t fully close)
- Teeth spreading or shifting despite orthodontic treatment
- Orthodontic relapse after braces or aligners
- Mouth breathing or open lips at rest
- Low tongue resting posture (tongue sitting on the floor of the mouth)
- Messy eating or food spillage while chewing
- Lisp or other speech sound errors (especially “s” and “z” sounds)
- Jaw tension or TMJ discomfort
How Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Helps
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is the primary treatment for tongue thrust. The therapy retrains the tongue to adopt a correct resting posture on the palate and to use proper mechanics during swallowing—pressing upward and backward rather than forward against the teeth.
Treatment follows a structured sequence. We first establish the correct resting posture (tongue tip on the spot behind the upper front teeth, body of the tongue lightly suctioned to the palate, lips sealed, teeth slightly apart). Once the resting posture is habitual, we progress to retraining the swallow pattern with liquids, soft foods, and solid foods.
For patients in orthodontic treatment, OMT is often recommended either before, during, or after braces/aligners to protect the investment and prevent relapse. Many orthodontists now refer patients for myofunctional therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Therapy Techniques
- Tongue spot placement and palatal suction drills
- Swallow retraining with water, soft foods, and solids
- Lip seal and lip tone exercises
- Nasal breathing exercises to support mouth closure
- Bolus control and chewing pattern correction
- Habit integration practice for meals and throughout the day
Expected Outcomes
- Elimination of forward tongue thrust swallow pattern
- Proper tongue resting posture on the palate
- Stabilized tooth alignment and reduced orthodontic relapse risk
- Improved lip seal and nasal breathing
- Cleaner, more efficient chewing and swallowing
- Resolution of speech sound errors related to tongue placement
Who is this for?
School-age children, teens, and adults. Tongue thrust therapy is especially valuable for patients currently in orthodontic treatment or those who have experienced relapse after braces.
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Concerned about tongue thrust or orthodontic relapse? Let’s evaluate your swallow pattern.