| THE PROBLEM
OF TONGUE THRUST
A number of children have difficulty with tooth positions and speech
sounds because of a problem called TONGUE THRUST. There are also
children whose speech is not affected but who do have problems of
a dental nature. This paper is to help and your child understand
something about this special condition and to suggest ways in which
help may be given at home.
WHAT IS TONGUE THRUST?
It is faulty tongue placement and/or an incorrect swallowing habit
usually acquired during infancy. In the abnormal swallowing pattern
the muscles of chewing are not properly used to bring the jaws tightly
together, and the tongue is pushed forward against or between the
teeth during the act of swallowing. Also, the muscles around the
mouth are tensed instead of being in a relaxed condition.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
Faulty tongue placement with constant pressure on the teeth can
result in malpositioning of the teeth and dental arches and also
in speech problems . Corrective measures should be taken as soon
as possible since this condition usually becomes increasingly severe.
If braces become necessary faulty tongue position may hinder the
dental program. Children should be helped avoid lip or tongue movements
which cause this pressure.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP?
The objectives are to teach correct tongue placement, movements,
and proper swallowing habits. Changing these incorrect habit patterns
is difficult and usually requires much time, Patience, and understanding.
Some of
the exercises which follow are very hard for the child to accomplish
and may need to be repeated before going on the next steps. THE
INTEREST AND HELP of the parent is necessary for best results. Please
feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this
program.
Speech therapy is often extremely valuable to the child and a speech
therapist is suggested.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORAL EXERCISES
The "At Rest" position of the lips, jaw, and tongue:
"At Rest" means when the tongue, lips, and jaw are not
in movement in the process of talking and eating.
a. The lips should be held gently together without pressure.
b. The jaw will be slightly relaxed, that is, the teeth will be
separated slightly-- Not in Contact.
c. The tongue will be pointed toward or
touching the "T" target (explained below) .
The whole tongue will be slightly retracted or pulled BACK in the
mouth.
NO TIME SHOULD TONGUE PRESSING AGAINST TEETH.
DETERMINING THE "T" TARGET
The "T" target is the spot on the gum ridge just back
of the upper front teeth where the tongue touches to produce the
~ sound.
The tongue tip should be touching this target spot at all times
when the tongue is in the rest position, that is when the tongue
is not
moving in the process of speaking, eating, or swallowing.
a. Place the tongue tip on the "T" target
when you are studying, watching T.V. -- when you are not talking
or eating.
b. Place the tip of the tongue on the "T"
target when you go to bed and try to keep it there until you fall
asleep.
DAILY ORAL EXERCISES
Exercises for Strengthening the Lips -(Repeat each exercise ten
times. }
Exercise 1: Roll the lips inward toward teeth -hold firmly to a
count of five. Release.
Exercise 2: Alternate smiling widely (with lips held tightly against
the teeth} , and rounding the lips as if for whistling.
Exercise 3: With lips held tightly against the teeth, say puh, puh,
puh, puh.
Exercise 4: (String a large flat button with a 24 inch piece of
dental floss. Tie ends of floss together.}
Place button flat against teeth and close
lips around button. Pull the string on the button and at the same
time hold the button firmly in place with the lips. Pull a
little harder each time you do this exercise.
Exercises for the Improvement of Tongue Strength, Flexibility, and
positioning.
Exercise 1: Identify the T target. Touch the target spot with tongue
tip ten times.
Exercise 2: Holding teeth tightly together and with
tongue tip touching the T target -flatten the rest of the tongue
against the roof
of the mouth and make 5 sucking movements. (repeat 10 times}
Exercise 3: With mouth open slightly (as if to say ah} , place tongue
tip on T target. Push tongue against target as firmly as possible.
(repeat 10 times}
Exercise 4: Sweep tongue from T target toward the back of the mouth.
(repeat 10 times}
Exercise 5: Place a clean pencil, the edge of a tongue depressor,
or a surgical stick, on the center of the tongue. Try to curl the
edges of the tongue around the stick. Remove the stick and try to
curl the edges of the tongue. (repeat 10 times}
Exercise 6: With lips apart, and teeth firmly held together, put
the tongue tip on the T target and swallow.
Exercise 7: Take a very small sip of water, place teeth firmly together
and swallow. (repeat 10 times)
Exercise 8: Using a very small sip of water, practice gargling.
(repeat 5 times)
Exercise 9: Place button on top on tongue. Press
button to roof of mouth -at the same time pulling on the string.
THESE EXERCISES ARE HARD! SO TRY, TRY, TRY, .
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. Use the muscles of your throat when swallowing.
2. Keep teeth together when swallowing.
3. Try to keep the lip and face muscles relaxed.
4. Do not rest your chin on your hands.
5. Keep fingers, pencils, and other objects out of your mouth.
6. Take small bites when you are eating.
It is important that you do your oral exercises at least twice each
day. Use your check sheet to keep track of your exercises. These
exercises will help you improve your swallowing habits, your speech,
and your appearance.
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