tongue thrust therapy

We provide training to correct the habit of tongue thrust.

Tongue Thrust Therapy

Re-educating the muscles associated with swallowing by changing the swallowing pattern.

Simply defined, this is the habit of thrusting the tongue forward against or between the teeth while swallowing. With tongue thrust, the constant pressure of the tongue forces the teeth out of alignment. Tongue thrust is seldom corrected on its own. With the help of a trained therapist, however, 95% of patients can achieve successful results.

What causes tongue thrust?

There is no one specific cause of tongue thrust, but it may be caused by one or more of the following: thumb sucking, allergies, certain types of artificial nipples when feeding infants, and hereditary factors are a few examples.

Consequences of tongue thrust:

Many orthodontists have had the discouraging experience of completing dental treatment, with what appears to be good results, only to discover that the case had relapsed because the patient had a tongue thrust swallowing pattern. If the tongue is allowed to continue its pushing action against the teeth, it will continue to push the teeth forward and reverse the orthodontic work.

Prevalence of tongue thrust:

Children naturally exhibit a tongue thrust pattern from birth. Normally, children outgrow the tongue thrust pattern and develop the mature pattern of swallowing. However, if the tongue thrust swallowing pattern is retained beyond the age of four, the child will need, in all probability, some type of training program to develop the mature swallowing pattern. As a general rule, tongue thrust can be detected by orthodontists, general dentists, periodontists, some pediatricians, and speech therapists.

Solution:

The most proven and effective technique to solve the tongue thrust problem is by oral habit training. This is an exercise that re-educates the muscles associated with swallowing by changing the swallowing pattern. This method must be taught by a trained speech therapist.

get started today
Girl pointing thumbs up
If you have any concerns about your child's development, contact your primary care physician about a referral or contact us directly:
Spokane: 509-435-0481 Moses Lake: 509-707-0336 Kennewick: 509-619-7397 Wenatchee: 509-888-2505 refer a patient testimonials

When we received a personal reference to the Achieve Center, I had no idea it would be so great! There is experience, education, and hard work. My son could not have a better therapist and support for all that it takes to work with him.

I personally have experienced the growth and achievement that my son has done with the caring people at the Achieve Center! Wonderful people, great staff, and the caring touch a parent can count on!

The Achieve Center has made a huge difference in the outcome and success of my son. He looks forward to attending therapy every week and loves to see his therapist. It’s nice to have all his therapy together and they work around our schedule. The Achieve Center is the best therapy in town.

our services

Our professional therapists provide loving, quality care to address a wide range of difficulties and are experienced to help your child reach his or her full potential.

How are we are doing? Take a quick survey.

patient survey

11703 E Sprague Ave, Ste. C-3
Spokane Valley, WA 99206

Phone: (509) 435-0481 | Fax: (509) 435-0485

2323 W. Broadway Ave., Ste. 3
Moses Lake, WA 98837

Phone: (509) 707-0336 | Fax: (509) 707-0341

1500 S. Mission St.
Wenatchee, WA 98801

Phone: (509) 888-2505 | Fax: (509) 888-2507

7203 W. Deschutes Ave., Ste. A
Kennewick, WA 99336

Phone: (509) 619-7397 | Fax: (866) 798-0203

1200 N 14th Ave, Ste 295
Pasco, WA 99301

Phone: (509) 619-7397 | Fax: (866) 798-0203