When the tongue sticks out of the mouth while at rest or is present between the upper and lower anterior teeth while swallowing or speaking, it is referred to as tongue thrusting. Tongue thrusting is physiologic in babies. If it continues in childhood, it becomes a pathology as it causes dental malocclusion. It may also interfere with speech (lisping sounds). Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, upper respiratory tract infection, mouth breathing can also cause tongue thrusting in children. Habit-breaking appliances like tongue crib, oral screen, Hawley's device, 4s exercises, tongue training exercises, etc., can help.
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I experience a relapse after retainer removal. What to do?
Query: Hello doctor, I am 53 years old. I had my permanent retainers removed six months ago, after 26 years. My lower front teeth are flaring out. They are hitting the back of my upper front teeth. I am a tongue thruster. Can I have these teeth that had the retainer removed, rebraced, and another permanent... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and can understand your concern. Yes, you can get the particular segment of teeth re-braced and later a permanent retainer. However, you can also have other options to consider before deciding on the treatment option. Before that, we should initiall... Read Full »
Is wearing braces repeatedly due to relapse a waste of time?
Query: Hello doctor, I had braces three times now. First, during childhood, and second as an adult. First I had metal, wore my retainer religiously for a year, and then after being super strict, my teeth shifted. I then tried Invisalign and was not a huge fan, but considering it again. My teeth continuous... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Why have not they put fixed retainers in your case? Especially if the case got relapsed. You must have got the second treatment done and then at end get fixed retainer at palatal and lingual side of your teeth for like good 10 years. This is the only way to avoid rel... Read Full »
Can jaw surgery help in improving open bite due to tongue thrusting?
Query: Hello doctor, I have an open bite due to a tongue thrust I have had since I was a baby (I am 22 now). It is affecting the way I talk, eat, and I sometimes find myself gasping for air when I sleep. I have been looking into ways to correct it and also close my bite. Will corrective jaw surgery help w... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per your description, you are having open bite and tongue thrust. For correction of open bite the exact cause must be ruled out. Tongue thrust is the cause and is also aggravating factor. Also, if corrective jaw surgery works or not or whether any skeletal jaw pro... Read Full »
Can teeth move when pushed with tongue?
Query: Hello doctor, I feel like my teeth are loose and moving in front. It looks like my tongue is pushing them forward. When I look in the mirror, I can notice that one of my teeth has shifted. I do not know what happened and I am really scared. I try to brush my teeth at least once a day. Please help. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The feeling of teeth moving forward might be due to the following: The eruption of the wisdom teeth - the force exerted by eruptingtooth pushes the rest of the teeth forward. Periodontitis - gum disease that causes migration of the teeth. Mouth breathing - breathin... Read Full »
I have a habit of tongue thrusting. How to stop it?
Query: Hi doctor, I have a habit of tongue thrusting. Now, I am using permanent retainers for the past four months. How to overcome it? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Please say your age. Usually, tongue thrusting is done unconsciously. So initially, you should be aware of it. Habit breaking appliance can also be used, and it takes time. It can also be stopped by a process called cognitive behavioral therapy. Read Full »
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