If your tongue is consistently pushing against your teeth (a habit often referred to as tongue thrust), there are several approaches you can take to address this. These include therapy, appliances, and orthodontic interventions.
Here's a breakdown of possible solutions, drawing from the provided references:
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Identify and Address the Underlying Cause: Tongue thrusting can occur for a variety of reasons, including habit, anatomical issues, or even allergies. Addressing the root cause is key to long-term success.
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Speech Therapy:
- A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help you retrain your tongue's positioning and strengthen the necessary muscles. As noted in the references, they can teach you the correct way to position your tongue so you are no longer tongue thrusting.
- They will provide exercises and techniques to help you become more aware of your tongue's position and prevent it from pushing against your teeth.
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Tongue Crib Appliance:
- An orthodontist can fit a tongue crib, a specialized appliance, to prevent your tongue from pushing forward. The provided references indicate that it's typically fitted over the back teeth.
- This acts as a physical barrier to discourage tongue thrusting.
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Orthodontic Treatment:
- Braces or aligners can correct any misalignments that may have resulted from tongue thrusting.
- While these treatments primarily focus on straightening teeth, they can also help to create a more favorable environment for proper tongue positioning.
| Solution | Description | Professional Involved | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Therapy | Retrains tongue positioning and strengthens tongue muscles. | Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) | Prevents tongue thrusting through exercises and awareness. |
| Tongue Crib | An appliance fitted to the back teeth to physically block the tongue. | Orthodontist | Prevents tongue from pushing against teeth. |
| Braces/Aligners | Corrects misalignments caused by tongue thrusting and improves oral environment. | Orthodontist | Straightens teeth and helps with proper tongue positioning. |
It's important to consult with both a dentist and a speech-language pathologist to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
