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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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 »