What Is the Tongue Thrust Reflex and How Can It Be Corrected?

Tongue thrust reflex helps babies feed and swallow. In infants, it causes the tongue to move forward to help with nursing or bottle-feeding. As children grow and begin eating solid foods, the tongue typically shifts to a resting position against the roof of the mouth. If the tongue continues to press forward against or between the front teeth later in childhood, it may become a habit and influence tooth position over time.

How Can You Recognize Tongue Thrusting?

Tongue thrusting isn’t always easy to spot, especially because it can happen during swallowing or when the mouth is at rest. Instead of one clear sign, it’s usually a combination of patterns that may suggest the tongue is positioned too far forward.

You might notice:

• The tongue resting between or against the front teeth
• Front teeth that don’t fully touch when biting down
• Teeth that appear to flare outward
• Difficulty keeping the lips comfortably closed
• Frequent mouth breathing
• Speech differences, especially with “s” or “z” sounds
• Teeth shifting after orthodontic treatment

Why Does Tongue Thrusting Happen?

Tongue thrusting often develops gradually as the mouth, muscles, and airway work together over time. Tongue posture and bite development can also influence each other. A forward tongue position may contribute to changes in the bite, while certain bite patterns can make it easier for the tongue to move forward.

Some common contributing factors include:

• Thumb-sucking or extended pacifier use
• Mouth breathing or chronic nasal congestion
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Limited tongue mobility, such as tongue-tie
• Bite or jaw alignment differences
• Learned oral habits

Does Tongue Thrusting Affect Your Teeth?

Occasional tongue contact with the teeth is completely normal even when swallowing. The concern arises when the tongue consistently rests against or presses on the front teeth throughout the day.

Over time, this repeated pressure may contribute to:

• An open bite, where the front teeth don’t meet
• Protruding or flared front teeth
• Changes in tooth alignment
• Speech differences
• Teeth shifting after orthodontic treatment

How To Stop Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting does not always cause problems, and not everyone with this pattern will need treatment. When it does affect oral health, treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause rather than just the symptom.

Depending on your needs, care may include:

• Orthodontic treatment such as clear aligners or braces to improve bite alignment and increasing the space for the tongue to rest properly.
• Custom oral appliances designed to guide tongue position and reduce pressure on the teeth when appropriate.
• Myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and breathing habits, often in coordination with a trained specialist.
• Restorative or preventive dental care to support long-term stability and protect the teeth.
• Medical evaluation and collaboration with physicians or ENT specialists if airway, breathing, or structural concerns are contributing factors.

A Personalized Approach to Oral Function and Health

At Broda Family Dental, care is centered on understanding how all parts of the oral system work together. Rather than focusing on a single symptom, Dr. Broda evaluates the relationship between the teeth, jaw, muscles, and airway to determine what may be contributing to tongue thrusting.

This approach may include:

• A detailed assessment of bite alignment and jaw function
• Evaluation of tongue posture, muscle patterns, and oral habits
• Screening for airway or breathing concerns that may influence tongue position
• Coordinating care with trusted specialists, such as orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, or medical providers when needed

Dr. Broda’s goal is to create a stable, functional environment that supports long-term oral health and not just short-term correction. By addressing the root causes and working collaboratively when appropriate, treatment can be more predictable and lasting.

When To Have Tongue Thrusting Evaluated

If tongue thrusting is affecting tooth alignment, bite function, or speech, an evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to the pattern and whether treatment is needed. Addressing the underlying cause can help support more stable tooth position and healthy oral function over time.

We are always accepting new patients! To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St, Unit 300, Boulder, CO 80303.

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