Exaggerated Tongue Thrust In Babies: Time For Action!
What is an exaggerated tongue thrust? All young babies have a tongue thrust, which means that when their lips are touched, they thrust their tongue out of their mouth. But sometimes, they can push their tongue out so far that they unintentionally push your nipple out of their mouth. This can make it hard for them to get a good seal, which can make breastfeeding more difficult for them. While it’s usually hereditary, bottle-fed babies are more likely to develop this behavior (which is why it’s a good idea not to introduce a bottle until your baby has gotten the hang of nursing).
When infants nurse with a breast or bottle, they naturally may push their tongues out to help swallow. While most children outgrow this behavior by the age of six as they learn to use their oral muscles, some develop a condition called tongue thrust, which is the most common orofacial myofunctional disorder (ODM). If tongue thrust persists into childhood, it could potentially lead to dental problems—but luckily, treatment options are available.
Tongue thrust in toddlers and children is caused by several factors, namely ear, nose, and throat problems such as allergies or enlarged tonsils, or habits like thumb sucking and using a pacifier.
Tongue thrust effects
Again, tongue thrust isn’t harmful in young babies and has no long-term effects, provided that the tongue thrust reflex goes away as your child gets older. Losing tongue thrust is a normal part of baby development and a sign that your baby is more prepared for weaning. But when the condition persists and is considered an ODM, having the tongue constantly push against the teeth can lead to several issues:
- A child’s tongue sticking out during speaking, swallowing, and resting
- Speech problems
- Prolonged sucking problem
- Issues with chewing correctly
- Displaced teeth that may require orthodontic treatment
This condition may also indicate allergies, enlarged tonsils, or adenoids. These reactions cause a constricted throat cavity, so the tongue moves forward to make breathing easier.
How to stop tongue thrusting: You can work with a lactation consultant to come up with better positions. When you nurse, wait for your baby to open wide, then put your index finger on the center of her tongue and push down. Now gently pull your finger out before she tries to latch. It’s also a good idea to let your baby suck on your finger so she develops rhythmic sucking rather than biting.
Consulting a dentist or pediatrician about tongue thrust is usually unnecessary for an infant, but there are some signs of tongue thrust you can look for in older babies. Symptoms of abnormal tongue thrust include the tongue resting in the wrong position, prolonged sucking, open resting lips, and difficulty chewing food. If your older baby or toddler shows any of these signs, take them to see a dental professional or pediatrician. Your medical provider may also recommend getting in touch with an orthodontist and speech pathologist to ensure your child’s speech and teeth develop properly.
Treatments from a speech therapist typically begin at the age of eight, are customized to your child’s needs, and will take about three to five months, with follow up appointments four to six months later. In treatment, your child will likely receive activities and exercises to do at home, which they’ll have to follow consistently. They’ll also learn how to properly rest their mouth and how to swallow saliva, liquids, and solids correctly. Once any underlying problems have been corrected, these tongue thrust exercises can mitigate the condition so your child can have an easier time speaking, swallowing, and, eventually, socializing.
Losing baby tongue thrust
As babies transition to solid foods, their tongue thrust should start to go away. Research shows that when the baby is about four to six months old, babies start to develop the coordination to move solid food from the front of the mouth to the back for swallowing and typically stop using their tongues to push food out of their mouths. If you notice any of the symptoms of tongue thrusting beyond this period, get in touch with your dental professional or pediatrician. General dental health care should continue as normal, including regularly cleaning the teeth as soon as they erupt with toothpaste specially formulated for infants.
Babies are precious, and it’s natural to seek reassurance that behavior affecting their teeth, speech, and eating is normal. Tongue thrust in babies usually means your baby is healthy and developing well. If you have concerns, a pediatrician or dentist can conduct a gentle examination that puts your mind at ease.
