Background
Tongue thrust is a swallowing pattern in which an individual pushes their tongue against or between their teeth. Tongue thrust is the persistence of an infantile swallow pattern into late childhood, which may lead to breathing and speech difficulties, open bite, and protruded teeth. Most children transition from an infantile to a mature swallowing pattern during their formative years. However, a few retain the infantile swallow and tongue thrust habit, possibly due to habits such as thumb sucking or an underlying cause such as enlarged adenoids. Early detection and intervention may avoid the adverse effects of a tongue thrust habit.
Management of tongue thrust may include:
- Habit-breaking appliances such as tongue cribs to act as reminders and restrict forward tongue movement
- Malocclusion correction
- Orofacial myofunctional therapy to correct tongue position at rest and during swallowing
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is the neuromuscular re-education of muscle function to improve the functions of swallowing, oral breathing, and rest posture of lips, tongue, and cheeks. It acts as an adjunct to orthodontic treatment and helps harmonize orofacial function. OMT includes exercises that help with toning and resistance training of the oral musculature.
Objective
This narrative review provides an overview of the various exercises in OMT to treat tongue thrust habits.
Results
This review covers:
- Various lip, tongue, and cheek exercises
- Client selection
- Number, duration, and frequency of sessions
- OMT limitations and future scope
Conclusion
OMT has a role in managing tongue thrust and should be included as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. OMT helps the client become aware of incorrect rest positions and dynamic positions of the tongue. OMT has a positive impact on improving swallow and tongue posture and proper muscle function and reduces the likelihood of relapses in previous orthodontic treatment.
