How To Stop Baby Tongue Thrust? Simple Exercises

The tongue thrust reflex, a natural mechanism that helps babies feed and swallow, can sometimes persist beyond infancy and become a habit. This habit, known as a tongue thrust, can affect the alignment of teeth, speech, and even breathing patterns. Breaking the tongue thrust habit requires patience, consistency, and the right exercises. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to stop baby tongue thrust through simple yet effective exercises tailored for infants and toddlers, as well as older children who may still be dealing with this issue.

Understanding Tongue Thrust

Before diving into the exercises, it’s essential to understand what a tongue thrust is. This reflex involves the tongue pushing forward against the teeth, often when swallowing. In babies, this is a normal reflex that helps with feeding. However, if it persists, it can lead to orthodontic issues, such as an open bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed.

Exercises for Infants

For infants, the goal is to encourage the proper movement and positioning of the tongue from an early age. Here are some exercises you can try:

1. Infant Massage: Gently massage the baby’s mouth, focusing on the area just behind the upper front teeth. This can help stimulate the oral muscles and encourage proper tongue positioning.
2. Tongue Elevation: Use a clean finger to gently press the baby’s tongue down while they are awake and alert. Hold for a second, then release. Repeat this process several times.
3. Swallowing Practice: During feeding, gently press the roof of the baby’s mouth with your finger to help them learn to swallow with the tongue in the correct position.

Exercises for Toddlers and Older Children

As children get older, exercises can become more engaging and interactive:

1. Mirror Work: Have the child watch themselves in a mirror. Ask them to swallow and observe how their tongue moves. This awareness is the first step to changing the habit.
2. Tongue Positioning: Teach the child to place the tip of their tongue behind their upper front teeth. This is the correct position for swallowing and speaking. Practice this position regularly, especially before meals.
3. Swallowing Exercises: Have the child practice swallowing with their tongue in the correct position. Start with water, then gradually move to thicker liquids and finally solids.
4. Speech Therapy: Certain speech sounds, like “t” or “d”, require the tongue to be behind the upper teeth. Practicing these sounds can help reinforce the correct tongue position.

Additional Tips

• Breathing Exercises: Encourage nasal breathing over mouth breathing, as nasal breathing tends to promote a more correct tongue position.
• Monitor Progress: Regularly check your child’s tongue position and swallowing technique to ensure they’re progressing.
• Professional Help: If you notice persistent tongue thrusting despite efforts to correct it, consult with a pediatrician, orthodontist, or a speech-language pathologist. They can provide personalized advice and intervention strategies.

Conclusion

Correcting a tongue thrust habit in children requires a combination of understanding, patience, and consistent practice. By incorporating these simple exercises into your child’s daily routine and maintaining open communication with healthcare professionals, you can help your child develop a healthier oral habit that will benefit them throughout their life.

Remember, early intervention and consistent effort are key to addressing tongue thrust habits in children. With the right approach and support, it’s possible to help your child develop healthy oral habits that will last a lifetime.