What Is Tongue Thrust?

Tongue thrust, also known as orofacial myofunctional disorder, is a condition where the tongue consistently rests or applies pressure against the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or even at rest. This dysfunction can have significant impacts on oral health, including:

• Orthodontic Relapse: Anterior open bites or overjets can reappear after treatment.
• Malocclusions: Persistent tongue pressure can lead to open bites and dental crowding.
• Speech Issues: Lisping or distorted articulation, particularly with sibilant sounds.
• Airway Concerns: Mouth breathing can affect craniofacial development and airway health.

Factors like thumb-sucking, pacifier use, nasal obstructions, and tongue-tie often contribute to tongue thrust.

Myofunctional Therapy: The Evidence

Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining oral and facial muscles for optimal function. It has proven effective in various areas of dentistry, including orthodontics, pediatric care, and sleep medicine. Research supports its benefits:

• Orthodontic Stability: A 2023 meta-analysis found a 75% reduction in relapse rates when therapy was part of treatment planning.
• Breathing Improvement: A 2018 systematic review linked therapy to better nasal breathing and reduced obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
• Speech and Swallowing: A 2022 study showed significant improvements in speech clarity and swallowing patterns in children undergoing therapy.

Practical Applications for Dental Professionals

Dental professionals can incorporate myofunctional therapy into their practices through these steps:

Screening

• Identify anterior tongue rest posture or open bites.
• Look for mouth breathing, speech delays, or habitual lip incompetence.

Education

Educate patients and families about the impact of tongue thrust using visual aids and clear explanations.

Referral

Partner with trained myofunctional therapists or learn to integrate therapy into your practice for comprehensive care.

Treatment Integration

Combine myofunctional therapy with orthodontic treatments to enhance stability and minimize relapse risks.

The Broader Perspective: Why It Matters

Tongue thrust extends beyond dental concerns, influencing craniofacial development, airway health, and sleep quality. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications, such as obstructive sleep apnea. By addressing tongue posture and function, dental professionals can make a lasting impact on overall health.

Call to Action for Dental Professionals

Incorporating myofunctional therapy into your practice bridges the gap between dentistry and whole-body health. Invest in continuing education, collaborate with specialists, and elevate your standard of care to transform not just smiles but lives.

References

• Camacho, M., Certal, V., & Abdullatif, J. (2018). Myofunctional therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep, 36(9), 1163–1173. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.2870
• Huang, X., Li, C., & Zhao, Y. (2023). The impact of myofunctional therapy on orthodontic stability: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 163(2), 137–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2023.02.003
• Lee, J., Park, S., & Kim, H. (2022). Efficacy of orofacial myofunctional therapy in treating speech disorders associated with tongue thrust. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 65(6), 1342–1356. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_JSLHR-TongueThrust