How to Stop Tongue Thrust – A Practical Guide That Actually Helps
Most people don’t realise they have a tongue thrust problem.
They come to the clinic because of front teeth gaps, speech difficulty, or because their braces didn’t hold — and tongue thrust turns out to be the hidden reason.
Tongue thrust isn’t rare. It’s just rarely explained properly.
This article breaks it down simply: what tongue thrust is, why it happens, and what genuinely works if you want to stop it — especially for children, teenagers, and adults who’ve already had dental changes.
What Exactly Is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust means the tongue pushes forward against the front teeth instead of resting gently on the roof of the mouth.
This usually happens:
While swallowing
While speaking
Or even when the mouth is relaxed
That constant pressure may seem harmless, but over time it slowly moves teeth out of position.
Think of it like this:
A small force applied thousands of times a day eventually wins.
Why Tongue Thrust Develops in the First Place
Tongue thrust isn’t just a “bad habit”. In most cases, there’s a reason behind it.
Common causes include:
Thumb sucking or pacifier use for too long
Mouth breathing due to nasal blockage
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Poor tongue posture learned in childhood
Existing open bite or spacing in front teeth
In adults, tongue thrust often goes unnoticed until teeth start shifting again after braces.
Signs That Suggest You May Have Tongue Thrust
You don’t need fancy tests to suspect tongue thrust. Some everyday signs are enough.
Gaps opening between front teeth
Front teeth not touching when you bite
Difficulty closing lips comfortably
Lisping or unclear pronunciation of certain sounds
Teeth moving even after orthodontic treatment
If you’re ticking more than one of these, tongue thrust is worth checking.
Can Tongue Thrust Be Stopped Without Braces or Appliances?
In early or mild cases — yes, sometimes.
Especially in younger children, correcting tongue posture early can prevent bigger problems later.
This usually involves:
Teaching the tongue where it should rest
Training correct swallowing patterns
Addressing mouth breathing or airway issues
However, random YouTube exercises don’t fix tongue thrust on their own.
They only work when guided and monitored properly.
Tongue Thrust Exercises – Do They Really Work?
They can help, but only in the right cases.
Exercises are useful when:
The problem is muscle-related
Teeth haven’t moved significantly yet
The patient follows instructions consistently
Common goals of these exercises are:
Strengthening tongue control
Improving lip seal
Training a proper swallow
Done incorrectly, exercises can actually worsen the habit — which is why professional guidance matters.
When Dental Treatment Becomes Necessary
Once tongue thrust has already changed tooth position, exercises alone won’t reverse it.
That’s when dental intervention is needed.
Tongue Crib or Habit Appliance
This is placed behind the front teeth to block the tongue from pushing forward. Over time, the tongue learns a new resting position.
Orthodontic Correction
Braces or clear aligners may be required for teeth alignment problems to close gaps of front teeth gap or correct an open bite — but only after the tongue thrust is controlled. Otherwise, relapse is common.
Combined Functional Therapy
In many cases, the best results come from combining appliances, therapy, and orthodontic correction.
Is Tongue Thrust Treatment Possible in Adults?
Yes — and adults often need it more than they realise.
Many adult patients seek help because:
Their teeth are spacing again
Previous braces didn’t last
They feel strain while swallowing or speaking
Treatment may take longer than in children, but it can be stable and effective when planned correctly.
Can Tongue Thrust Be Permanently Corrected?
Yes — if the cause is addressed, not just the symptoms.
Permanent results depend on:
Correct diagnosis
Muscle retraining
Proper dental alignment
Follow-up and habit control
Treating teeth without fixing tongue posture is like straightening a fence while someone keeps pushing it from behind.
When Should You See a Dentist for Tongue Thrust?
You should seek evaluation if:
A child continues tongue habits after age 6
Front teeth are spreading or not meeting
Braces results are reversing
Speech issues persist
You notice an open bite developing
Early treatment is simpler, faster, and far more predictable.
Final Words
Tongue thrust isn’t dramatic, but it’s powerful.
Left untreated, it quietly undoes years of dental work.
The good news is — when identified early and managed correctly, tongue thrust can be controlled and corrected.
If you suspect tongue thrust in yourself or your child, a proper clinical evaluation can save a lot of future trouble.
