Tongue thrust (also called reverse swallow or immature swallow) is the common name of orofacial muscular imbalance, a human behavioral pattern in which the tongue protrudes through the anterior incisors during swallowing, speech, and while the tongue is at rest. Nearly all young children exhibit a swallowing pattern involving tongue protrusion, but by the age of six most have switched to a normal swallowing pattern. People who tongue thrust do it naturally and are usually unaware of the behavior.
Since 1958, the term "tongue thrust" has been described and discussed in speech and dental publications by many writers. Many school-age children have tongue thrust. For example, according to recent literature, as many as 67–95 percent of children 5–8 years old exhibit tongue thrust, which may be associated with or contributing to an orthodontic or speech problem. Up to the age of four, there is a possibility that the child will outgrow tongue thrust. However, if the tongue thrust swallowing pattern is retained beyond that age, it may be strengthened.
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Anterior open bite | The most common type of tongue thrust. In this case, the front lips do not close and the child often has his mouth open with the tongue protruding beyond the lips. |
| Anterior thrust | Upper incisors are extremely protruded and the lower incisors are pulled in by the lower lip. This type of thrust is most generally accompanied by a strong mentalis. |
| Unilateral thrust | The bite is characteristically open on either side. |
| Bilateral thrust | The anterior bite is closed, but the posterior teeth from the first bicuspid to the back molars may be open on both sides. This is the most difficult thrust to correct. |
| Bilateral anterior open bite | The only teeth that touch are the molars, with the bite completely open on both sides including the anterior teeth. A large tongue is also noted. |
| Closed bite thrust | Typically shows a double protrusion meaning that both the upper and lower teeth are flared out and spread apart. |
Famous quotes containing the words tongue and/or thrust:
“He hath a heart as sound as a bell and his tongue is the clapper, for what his heart thinks, his tongue speaks.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“God grant we may not have a European war thrust upon us, and for such a stupid reason too, no I don’t mean stupid, but to have to go to war on account of tiresome Servia beggars belief.”
—Mary (1867–1953)