MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDER/TONGUE THRUST

WHAT IS IT?

Tongue thrust is the common name for myofunctional disorder. A person with a tongue thrust pushes the tongue against the front teeth during swallowing and at rest.  This pattern is common in infants but, by age six, most children have changed automatically to a “normal” swallowing pattern.

In addition to causing displacement of the teeth, a tongue thrust may also affect the way speech sounds (i.e., /s/, /z/) are made.

SYMPTOMS

A person with a tongue thrust/myofunctional disorder may demonstrate one or more of the following behaviors:

• Makes facial grimaces with pursing of the lips when swallowing
• Breathes through the mouth
• Rests tongue against or between the teeth
• Has an open bite and/or protruding teeth (“buck” teeth)
• Sucks thumb, fingers, objects (i.e. pencils, fingernails)
• Has dried and/or chapped lips
• Mispronounces certain speech sounds, especially the /s/ and /z/

There are many causes that can contribute to a myofunctional disorder. They include but are not limited to:

• Mouth breathing due to allergies or enlarged adenoids
• Thumb sucking and/or nail biting
• Hereditary factors
• Lack of muscle strength and/or coordination
  WHEN TO REFER?

Often a dentist or an orthodontist will refer for a myofunctional evaluation to ensure that any orthodontic work that is done will be maintained.  Other referrals can stem from parents or teachers concerned about the clarity of a child’s speech.

LINKS;

http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~mdj9550/page2.html

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