What is Tongue Thrust: 4 Different Classification Types

In this article, you will learn about tongue thrust or protrusion of the tongue. The tongue is an organ that performs multiple functions during chewing, breathing, swallowing, and speaking. The muscles that compose it are in constant use, which is why, although it is such a small organ compared to others, it is known to be the strongest in the human body.

Swallowing is the act by which food and saliva pass from the mouth to the stomach and is something done between 1,000 and 2,000 times a day. On some occasions, this process does not happen in the normal way when atypical swallowing appears.

What is Tongue Thrust?

This is an oral habit, in which the tongue exerts constant pressure on the front teeth when speaking, swallowing food, or passing saliva. It puts pressure on the sides of the mouth, affecting the teeth furthest back.

The thrust of the tongue can be divided into 2 stages:

1. Tongue thrust in babies (up to 6 months of age)

In babies, before the first teeth appear, a normal type of swallowing is observed: babies place their tongues on their gums to swallow, and since there are no teeth, it poses no problem.

2. Tongue thrust in children and adults

Since the first teeth emerge, it is normal that during the swallowing process, the tongue touches the palate and then descends to promote the passage of the food bolus toward the pharynx.

When the child grows up and the habit of tongue protrusion persists, it can cause multiple effects on the normal development of occlusion, speech, and breathing. Tongue thrusting, a habit where the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing, can have a significant impact on dental health. This repetitive pressure on the teeth over time can result in misalignment or crooked teeth.

How is the Habit of Pushing the Tongue Classified?

The tongue thrust can be classified into 6 groups and depending upon the habit’s level of severity, it can also cause various dental anomalies:

•Type I or non-deforming tongue thrust: The habit does not cause damage or considerable changes in the mouth.

•Type II or anterior deforming tongue thrust: The habit causes anterior open bite, protrusion of the anterior teeth, or crossbite posterior.

•Type III or lateral deforming tongue thrust: The habit causes posterior open bite, posterior crossbite, or a deep overbite.

•Type IV or anterior and lateral deforming tongue thrust: The habit causes anterior and posterior open bite, protrusion of the anterior teeth, and posterior crossbite.

What are the Signs of Tongue Thrust?

In addition to dental abnormalities, this habit can cause:

• Deep palate

• Speech problems: orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs)

• Problems chewing

• Open lips and incorrect position of the tongue when at rest

Why does this Habit Occur? What Causes it?

Tongue thrust can be caused by several factors:

Sucking habits

• The finger

• The bottle or pacifier after the age of 4 or 5 years

Anatomical conditions in the mouth

• Tractioning tongue-tie or ankyloglossia

• Large tonsils

• Narrow palate

• Very large tongue

Environmental factors

• Allergies

• Congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose

What is the Treatment for Tongue Thrust?