By If your child has ever pushed their tongue against their teeth when swallowing, speaking, or even at rest, you may have noticed a habit known as tongue thrusting. While it might seem harmless, tongue thrusting can significantly impact dental and speech development if left unchecked. That’s why many parents turn to a childrens orthodontist for advice and early intervention. In some cases, it can even lead to the need for kids braces in Melbourne or other orthodontic options. With the right approach, including early orthodontic treatment, parents can help set their child up for a healthier smile and better long-term oral health.
What Exactly Is Tongue Thrusting?
Tongue thrusting happens when the tongue presses too far forward against the teeth during everyday activities like swallowing, chewing, or speaking. Instead of resting on the roof of the mouth, the tongue pushes outward, which can gradually alter tooth alignment and jaw positioning.
Children naturally go through phases of tongue positioning as they grow, but persistent thrusting beyond early childhood may point to an underlying problem.
Common Causes of Tongue Thrusting
There are several reasons why children may develop this habit:
- Thumb sucking or prolonged dummy use – These can encourage the tongue to rest in unnatural positions.
- Mouth breathing – Often due to allergies, enlarged tonsils, or nasal congestion.
- Swallowing patterns – Some children simply don’t grow out of the infant swallowing reflex.
- Structural factors – A narrow jaw or misaligned bite can influence tongue placement.
Whatever the cause, ongoing tongue thrusting can have ripple effects on both dental and speech development.
How Tongue Thrusting Affects Teeth and Speech
The constant pressure of the tongue against the teeth may seem small, but over time it can cause noticeable changes:
- Open bites or protruding teeth – Teeth may shift forward or fail to meet properly.
- Spacing issues – Gaps can develop as teeth are pushed apart.
- Speech difficulties – Lisping and articulation challenges are often linked to tongue thrusting.
- Chewing inefficiency – Misaligned bites can make eating less effective and uncomfortable.
For many families, recognising these signs early is key. Intervention at the right time, often guided by a childrens orthodontist, can reduce the risk of long-term issues.
How Orthodontics Can Help
The good news is that orthodontic care offers solutions. Treatment options may include:
- Habit appliances – Devices designed to gently train the tongue into the correct resting position.
- Braces or aligners – To correct misaligned teeth that result from tongue pressure.
- Speech therapy – Often combined with orthodontics to improve tongue function and articulation.
Parents exploring options like kids braces in Melbourne or other orthodontic appliances will often find that orthodontists work closely with speech therapists to provide a comprehensive treatment plan.
Why Timing Matters
Acting early is one of the most effective ways to stop tongue thrusting from causing lasting damage. Early orthodontic treatment can help guide proper jaw growth, prevent severe misalignment, and reduce the need for more complex treatment in the teen or adult years.
Children are usually evaluated around age seven, as this is when permanent teeth start appearing and orthodontists can spot subtle issues. Addressing tongue thrusting at this age can set the stage for healthier development.
What Parents Can Do at Home
While professional help is often needed, there are some steps parents can take to support their child:
- Encourage your child to keep their lips closed and breathe through their nose.
- Monitor habits like thumb sucking and dummy use.
- Teach fun exercises, such as placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth while swallowing.
- Stay consistent with dental and orthodontic check-ups.
Helping Kids Break the Habit for a Healthier Smile
Tongue thrusting might not be on every parent’s radar, but its impact on teeth and speech makes it worth addressing. With help from a trusted childrens orthodontist, families can tackle the habit early before it causes bigger problems. For some children, kids braces in Melbourne may be part of the solution, while others benefit from simple appliances or therapy. The key takeaway? Don’t wait—early orthodontic treatment gives your child the best chance at a confident smile and clear speech.