Resting Tongue Fronting or Tongue Thrusting in Children and How it Affects Permanent Teeth 

This blog has been reviewed by a pediatric dentist.

Resting tongue fronting- formerly known as tongue thrusting- occurs when a child pushes their tongue against the back of their teeth while their mouth is resting closed, or when swallowing or speaking. Doing this can push teeth out of place and affect bite and alignment. This can lead to the need for orthodontic treatment. The tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth. 

Let’s discuss the main effects of resting tongue fronting.

Open Bites and Gaps

The pressure from the tongue against the back of the front teeth pushes them outward, eventually affecting the bite and causing gaps. An open bite occurs when there is a visible gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can affect chewing and speech. Once an open bite occurs, orthodontic treatment will likely be needed.

Affects Speech Development

When teeth are pushed out of alignment, a malocclusion occurs,. This can affect your child’s ability to pronounce words properly. Certain sounds may be hard to produce, particularly those involving the tongue making contact with the teeth or the gums. Speech therapy may be needed, along with oral treatment. 

Impacts Facial Structure

Because tongue fronting often coincides with mouth breathing, certain changes to facial structure can occur that can make the face appear longer and narrower. 

Crooked Teeth

Teeth can become crowded or spaced out from tongue thrusting. Braces and other orthodontic devices are the best way to fix teeth that have moved out of alignment.  

Signs of Resting Tongue Fronting

The main warning signs that your child is tongue thrusting may be visual or verbal. For instance, you may notice that their front teeth seem to be moving outward or that they can’t pronounce certain words properly. Mouth breathing is another symptom. 

What is the treatment for tongue fronting?

Myofunctional therapy and orthodontic treatment are the two main approaches to help with tongue fronting. 

Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the tongue and mouth, which helps retrain muscles to stop tongue fronting. A trained myofunctional therapist guides patients through a series of exercises to strengthen the tongue and improve muscle coordination for proper swallowing, eating, and breathing. In addition to exercises that strengthen the tongue and facial muscles, patients learn how to swallow properly and to get their tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth. The therapist helps break the habits that are affecting the patient. Click here for a list of exercises for tongue fronting and to learn more about the condition.

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment can include appliances such as tongue cribs, which prevent the tongue from resting against the teeth. Tongue cribs help guide the tongue into the correct position. Braces or other orthodontic treatments can correct dental issues like open bites and misaligned teeth that often result from tongue fronting. 

Seeking Treatment for Tongue Fronting

It’s important to address tongue fronting with the earliest intervention possible. If you notice your child mouth breathing, developing an open bite, or having trouble with speech, contact a dental professional. Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas is equipped to diagnose and develop a treatment plan for resting tongue fronting. Call (214) 378-8868 or schedule an appointment online here.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

What is resting tongue fronting?

Otherwise known as tongue thrusting, this is a habit some children have where they push their tongue against their teeth when their mouth is closed, or when swallowing or speaking.

Does resting tongue fronting cause dental problems?

Yes, it causes open bites, gaps, problems with speech development, facial structure changes, and crooked teeth.

How can you stop resting tongue fronting?

The main intervention is to train the tongue to stop pressing against the teeth with myofunctional therapy. These exercises train the mouth, tongue, and throat to rest in the correct positions.

What is the proper resting tongue position?

When the tongue is resting, it should be “sucked” to the roof of the mouth. The tongue should not rest on the floor of the mouth.

How long does it take to correct improper tongue posture?

It can take weeks or months to correct resting tongue fronting using myofunctional therapy.