Tongue Thrusting

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.