As Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists serving Central Pennsylvania for over a decade, we regularly help patients understand and overcome tongue thrust patterns. Think of your tongue as a dancer who’s learned the wrong choreography. Just as a dancer needs to learn the correct steps, your tongue needs proper positioning and movement patterns for speaking, eating, breathing and swallowing. When someone has a tongue thrust (also called reverse swallowing pattern), their tongue has developed an incorrect pattern that can impact oral development, speech clarity, airway, digestion and dental alignment.
Understanding Tongue Thrust and Reverse Swallowing
Tongue thrust is a type of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD) where the tongue moves forward inappropriately during speaking, swallowing and while at rest . Instead of pressing against the roof of the mouth behind the front teeth—the correct position—the tongue pushes against or between the teeth. This pattern often develops alongside mouth breathing and can significantly impact orthodontic treatment outcomes.
What Causes Tongue Thrust?
Several factors can contribute to the development of tongue thrust:
- Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Chronic mouth breathing due to allergies or enlarged tonsils
- Developmental delays affecting oral function
- Anatomical differences in oral structures
- Early feeding challenges
- Tongue ties
- Prolonged bottle or sippy cup use
How Tongue Thrust Presents at Different Ages
Children
At our Camp Hill and Harrisburg practice, we often see young patients with tongue thrust exhibiting open bites, speech sound errors (especially with ‘s’ and ‘z’), and messy eating habits. Early intervention through Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can guide proper oral development and potentially reduce orthodontic treatment needs.
Teens
Adolescent patients typically come to our Central PA office during orthodontic treatment. Proper tongue placement is crucial for successful orthodontic outcomes, and we work closely with local orthodontists throughout the greater Harrisburg area to coordinate care.
Adults
Adult patients often seek treatment at Valley OMT for persistent speech concerns, orthodontic relapse, Swallowing difficulties, or TMJ discomfort related to tongue thrust patterns. It’s never too late to establish proper oral function through targeted therapy.
The Impact of Untreated Tongue Thrust
Without proper intervention, tongue thrust can lead to:
- Progressive dental misalignment and orthodontic relapse
- Persistent speech clarity issues
- Inefficient / messy eating and drinking
- Potential orthodontic treatment complications
- TMJ symptoms
- Social confidence challenges
- Digestive issues
Comprehensive Treatment at Valley OMT
Serving patients from Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Enola, and Carlisle, our Camp Hill office provides specialized Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for tongue thrust. Our treatment approach includes:
Assessment Process
We begin with a thorough evaluation of oral function patterns, including:
- Resting tongue position
- Swallowing patterns
- Speech production
- Breathing patterns
- Oral muscle strength
- Coordination of oral functions
Treatment Protocol
Typical treatment involves weekly sessions for an average of 4 months, depending on individual needs. We focus on:
- Establishing proper tongue resting posture
- Developing correct swallowing patterns
- Coordinating tongue movements for speech
- Strengthening oral muscles
- Creating new automatic patterns
When to Seek Treatment in Central PA
Consider scheduling an evaluation at our Camp Hill and Harrisburg offices if you notice:
- Tongue visible between teeth during speech
- Open spaces between front teeth
- Messy eating habits
- Speech sound errors
- Orthodontic treatment not progressing as expected or relapse
Your Local OMT Specialists
At Valley OMT, we’re proud to serve Central Pennsylvania families with evidence-based, personalized care. Our team participates in CE courses, ensuring we provide the most current and effective treatment approaches.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re concerned about tongue thrust patterns in yourself or your child, early intervention can make a significant difference. Our experienced team at Valley OMT understands the challenges this condition presents and is here to help you achieve better oral function through targeted therapy.
Contact or call us to schedule a consultation. Located conveniently in Harrisburg and Camp Hill, PA, and we serve patients throughout Central PA, including Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Enola, and Carlisle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue Thrust
Q: How long does tongue thrust treatment take? A: Most patients complete treatment within 4 months, attending weekly sessions at our Camp Hill and Harrisburg office.
Q: Can tongue thrust return after treatment? A: With proper completion of therapy and continued good habits, most patients maintain their improved patterns long-term.