Does Your Tongue Push Forward When You Swallow or Speak?

Myofunctional therapy helps address tongue thrust by retraining tongue posture, correcting swallowing patterns, and building proper oral muscle function.

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Why Tongue Posture Matters

A tongue thrust happens when the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or rest, instead of resting against the roof of the mouth. Over time, this repeated pressure can affect dental alignment, jaw development, speech, and even digestion — since an improper swallowing pattern can lead to excess air intake and inefficient chewing, both of which can contribute to digestive discomfort.

An untreated tongue thrust can lead to:

• An open bite or shifting of the teeth

• Relapse after orthodontic treatment

• Speech difficulties, particularly with certain sounds

• Digestive issues related to improper swallowing patterns

• Ongoing strain on the jaw and facial muscles

What Causes It

Tongue thrust is often linked to prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use, low tongue posture, mouth breathing, or enlarged tonsils that push the tongue forward.

How Myofunctional Therapy Helps

• Targeted muscle exercises to build proper tongue resting posture

• Swallowing pattern retraining to eliminate forward tongue pressure

• Habit correction for any underlying contributing habits

• Daily practice routines built into a personalized therapy kit

Virtual Sessions

Sessions are 20-30 minutes, and tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and muscle function can be observed and corrected over video just as effectively as in person — accessible from anywhere, no matter the city or country.

Is This Right for You?

Common signs include an open bite, teeth shifting after orthodontic treatment, a lisp or speech difficulty, or the tongue visibly pushing against the teeth when swallowing.

If any of this sounds familiar, a Free Assessment is the easiest way to find out.

See if Therapy is right for you

This content is educational and not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a licensed medical or dental provider. See our Disclaimer for more information.