Burke, Fairfax and Fairfax Station, VA
Are you familiar with tongue thrust? This is a condition found mostly in children, where the tongue presses forward too far in the mouth. A child living with tongue thrust may experience difficulties with breathing, eating or speech. You may not know, however, that tongue thrust also may be a sign of autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. Pamela Marzban, DDS, explores this topic in greater detail today on the blog.
What causes tongue thrust?
There is no single answer to this question.
Some of the common causes of tongue thrust include:
- Long-term use of a pacifier or sucking of the thumb or fingers
- The presence of a restricted lingual frenum, also known as a tongue tie
- Swollen tonsils and adenoids as a consequence of allergies
- Improper swallowing patterns as a symptom of autism spectrum disorder
What is ASD?
This is a lifelong ailment that occurs when neurological dysfunction of the brain leads to a developmental disability. The prevalence of autism is on the rise. It currently affects one out of every 36 children in the United States, according to data compiled by Autism Speaks. The number of children with autism currently is greater than the number of children – combined – who are living with AIDS, cerebral palsy, cancer, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome and muscular dystrophy. Someone living with ASD often experiences problems communicating, functioning well in social situations or with their general behavior.
Know the signs of tongue thrust
If your child has tongue thrust, the tip of their tongue moves forward to place pressure on the backs of your front teeth. This creates what dentists sometimes refer to as an open bite and disrupts the regular swallowing pattern.
Other signs of tongue thrust include:
- Seeing the tongue between your child’s teeth
- An open bite, as mentioned, which occurs when the front teeth do not meet even when the mouth is closed
- Frequent breathing through the mouth, whether awake or asleep
- Difficulties eating which may include eating too slow, too fast, being a messy eater or gagging often during meals
- A speech impediment, most typically a lisp when attempting to pronounce S and Z sounds
The relationship between tongue thrust and autism
Tongue thrust classifies as an example of stimming – a repetitive movement or noise. Children and adolescents with autism often use stimming as a method of coping when they find themselves in situations that overwhelm their senses. Individuals with ASD also are more prone to develop bruxism, the clinical term for teeth grinding, which often occurs unconsciously or during sleep.
Other negative oral behaviors for people with ASD include:
- Broken or chipped teeth usually as a consequence of self harm
- Habitually biting the nails
- Chewing on pens and pencils or otherwise using teeth as tools
Treating tongue thrust in Burke, Virginia
Tongue thrust classifies as an orofacial myofunctional disorder, or OMD for short. This refers to any condition or ailment where the hard or soft tissues in the face and mouth experience some sort of malfunction. We can diagnose an OMD and then provide treatment, usually through a course of myofunctional therapy. This method of therapy involves performing a series of simple, relatively painless exercises to re-train the orofacial system. Completed regularly over time, these myofunctional exercises correct whatever issue you are experiencing from your OMD, up to and including tongue thrust. Schedule your consultation today by calling (703) 323-8200 or contacting us online.