Have you noticed that when your child swallows, their tongue sticks forward and seems to push against their teeth? While it may seem like a harmless gesture, in some children this pattern can be related to... atypical swallowing or tongue thrust.

The way we position our tongue when swallowing, speaking, and resting can influence the development of the mouth and the position of the teeth, especially during the growth stage.

Therefore, detecting certain habits early can be important to prevent or control some bite problems.

What is tongue thrust?

He tongue thrust It occurs when the tongue exerts pressure against the teeth, especially during swallowing.

In proper swallowing, the tongue should adopt a position that allows swallowing without exerting excessive pressure on the front teeth.

When this pattern persists during growth, it can contribute to certain alterations in tooth position and bite.

Not all children who stick their tongue forward necessarily have a problem that requires treatment. That's why an individual assessment is important.

How can I tell if my child is pushing their teeth with their tongue?

There are some signs that may suggest a child has an atypical swallowing pattern or tongue thrust:

• The tongue appears between the teeth when swallowing.
• When swallowing, the tongue seems to push against the front teeth.
• The front teeth have some separation or inclination.
• The child usually keeps his mouth open.
• Excessive movement of the lips or chin is observed when swallowing.
• The tongue appears to adopt a forward position even when at rest.
• There are certain bite abnormalities that may be related to this pattern.

It is important to remember that These signs alone do not allow for a diagnosis.. A professional assessment is necessary to determine what is happening.

Can the tongue move the teeth?

Yes. The position and forces exerted by the tongue, lips, and other tissues of the mouth are part of the balance that influences tooth position.

During childhood and adolescence, when oral structures are still developing, certain habits maintained over time can favor changes in the position of the teeth or in the way the dental arches fit together.

Therefore, when there is persistent tongue thrust, it is advisable to assess whether it is affecting bite development.

What problems can atypical swallowing cause?

Depending on the child and the intensity and duration of the habit, tongue thrusting may be associated with certain disorders, such as:

• Anterior open bite.
• Separation or inclination of the anterior teeth.
• Alterations in the relationship between the dental arches.
• Difficulties in achieving a correct tongue position.
• Greater tendency for certain bite abnormalities to persist.

However, This does not mean that all children with tongue thrust will develop these problems..

Early assessment allows us to know if there is actually a disorder and if intervention is necessary.

At what age should I have my child's bite checked?

It is not necessary to wait until all the permanent teeth have come in to assess the development of the mouth.

During childhood, certain habits and bite abnormalities can be detected that should be monitored while the child is growing.

Furthermore, a children's orthodontic check-up does not necessarily mean that the child needs to start treatment.

In many cases, the initial goal is simply Observe the growth, detect potential problems, and decide when the right time is to act..

How is tongue thrust treated in children?

The treatment depends on the cause, the child's age, the type of disorder, and the condition of their teeth and jaws.

In some cases it may be advisable to work on the position and function of the tongue, In some cases, however, it may be necessary to address a bite problem through orthodontic treatment.

For this reason, the approach must be individualized.

In certain patients, collaboration between different professionals may be necessary to ensure that tongue position, function, and bite develop correctly.

Why is it important to take action during growth?

Childhood is a particularly important stage to observe how the jaws, bite, and tooth position develop.

Detecting an alteration while growth is still present allows for studying the case and assessing the different options available.

The goal is not to treat a habit simply because it exists, but to determine whether it is influencing the child's oral development and whether any type of intervention is needed.

At MIDSA we assess the development of children's bite

In MIDSA Dentistry, In Valencia, we individually assess the development of each child's mouth and bite.

If you have noticed that your child He pushes his tongue against his teeth when swallowing, If your child places their tongue between their teeth or exhibits any other signs that concern you, a pediatric orthodontic evaluation can help determine if there is indeed a problem and what the best way to address it is.

📍 MIDSA Dentistry · Valencia
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Early detection allows us to monitor growth and make more informed decisions.

Frequently asked questions about tongue thrust in children

Is it normal for my child to stick their tongue out when swallowing?

During certain stages of development, swallowing patterns may still be maturing. If the pattern persists over time or is associated with bite problems, a professional evaluation is recommended.

Can pushing with the tongue separate the teeth?

Tongue pressure is one of the factors that can influence tooth position. When there is persistent tongue thrust, especially during growth, it can be related to certain alterations in tooth position and bite.

The atypical swallowing Does he/she always need treatment?

Not necessarily. Treatment depends on each case. First, it's necessary to determine if there is actually an abnormality and if it's affecting the bite or oral development.

When should I take my child to orthodontist?

It's not necessary to wait until adolescence. If there are concerns about the bite, tongue position, spacing of the teeth, or certain oral habits, an evaluation during childhood may be advisable.

Can tongue thrust return after orthodontics?

If the underlying tongue function pattern contributing to a malocclusion is not properly addressed, certain dental changes may be more difficult to maintain. Therefore, it is important to assess not only tooth position but also the functional factors related to the bite.