San Francisco and Marin CA
Have you heard of tongue thrust? This condition, most commonly seen in children, involves the tongue pushing forward too far within the mouth. Kids with tongue thrust may struggle with breathing, eating, or speech difficulties. What many may not realize is that tongue thrust can sometimes be linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Today, Glen Park Dental explores this connection in more detail.
What Causes Tongue Thrust?
There isn’t just one cause for tongue thrust—several factors can contribute to this condition, including:
- Prolonged use of pacifiers or thumb/finger sucking
- A restricted lingual frenum, often called a tongue tie
- Swollen tonsils or adenoids due to allergies
- Atypical swallowing patterns, which may be related to autism spectrum disorder
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is a lifelong developmental condition caused by neurological differences in the brain. Its prevalence is increasing, currently affecting approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States, according to Autism Speaks. ASD impacts communication skills, social interactions, and behavior. Children with ASD may also exhibit unique oral habits, including tongue thrust.
Recognizing Signs of Tongue Thrust
If your child has tongue thrust, their tongue often presses against or between their front teeth, which can create an “open bite” where the upper and lower front teeth don’t meet properly.
Other signs include:
- The tongue protruding between teeth
- An open bite causing gaps when the mouth is closed
- Frequent mouth breathing, both day and night
- Eating challenges, such as eating too fast, too slow, messiness, or frequent gagging
- Speech difficulties, particularly a lisp when pronouncing “S” and “Z” sounds
How Tongue Thrust Relates to Autism
Tongue thrust is considered a form of stimming—a repetitive movement or behavior often used by individuals with autism to self-soothe when overwhelmed by sensory input. Additionally, those with ASD may be prone to bruxism (teeth grinding), often occurring unconsciously or during sleep.
Other oral behaviors common in individuals with ASD include:
- Nail biting
- Using teeth to chew on objects like pens or pencils
- Self-injury leading to chipped or broken teeth
Treatment for Tongue Thrust at Glen Park Dental
Tongue thrust falls under the category of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), which affect the function of the mouth and facial muscles. At Glen Park Dental, we can diagnose these disorders and provide effective treatment through myofunctional therapy. This therapy involves simple, gentle exercises that retrain the muscles of the face and mouth to correct swallowing and tongue positioning habits.
Regular practice of these exercises can significantly improve or even resolve issues related to tongue thrust.
Schedule a Consultation
If you suspect your child has tongue thrust or related oral challenges, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Glen Park Dental to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options. Call us at (415) 799-3900 or visit us at 4 Joost Ave, San Francisco, CA 94131 to schedule your appointment today.