Tongue Thrust

Helping your child find the right bite, swallow, and voice.

​​

​​​​​​

​What is Tongue Thrust?

A tongue-thrust happens when the tongue pushes forward—against or between the teeth—while swallowing, speaking, or even resting. It’s more than a habit—it can become a pattern that affects speech, eating, dental alignment and comfort. For many children, the swallowing pattern is natural as a baby. But if the pattern stays after age 4–6, it may be time for professional support.

​

Why It Matters

Because your child’s tongue, mouth and face are busy every day—chewing, swallowing, talking, resting. If the tongue’s tip is habitually too far forward, the constant pressure and unusual patterns can lead to:

• Speech differences (for example lisps or mis-pronounced sounds)

• Dental or orthodontic changes (open bites, improper alignment)

• Mealtime challenges, discomfort, or inefficient chewing/swallowing

• Frustration, low confidence or social self-consciousness when speech/teeth feel different

​

Signs that your child might be experiencing tongue-thrust

• Tongue visible between front teeth when swallowing or speaking

• Open-mouth resting posture or frequent mouth breathing (not just sniffles) 

• Difficulty pronouncing “s”, “z”, “sh”, “ch” sounds clearly

• Persistent thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or open mouth posture

• Dental signs: wide front teeth gap, open bite or misaligned bite

• Meals take longer, child avoids chewing, or looks uncomfortable when eating/swallowing

​

If you recognize several of these — it’s not “just a phase” to ignore. Early support can make a big difference in how your child eats, talks and feels.

​

How We Help
At FirstRowe, we take a full-spectrum approach: mouth, tongue, face, speech and swallowing habits. We design plans that feel playful, age-appropriate, goal-driven and family-friendly.

Our steps:

• Evaluation & observation: We look at swallowing patterns, tongue resting position, speech sounds, dental/feeding history and how the mouth works in real life.

• Custom therapy plan: This might include oral-motor exercises, tongue-placement coaching, swallow re-training, speech work and collaboration with dental/orthodontic teams.

• Home-practice & parent coaching: Because progress happens at home too—not just in sessions. We give you easy, fun strategies.

• Generalizing to real life: We make sure the changed pattern works at meals, in conversation, at rest — across settings.

​​

Frequently Asked: “When should we start?”

The best time is when you first notice the pattern, ideally around ages 4–8 when oral habits are still more easily shaped. Even older children and teens can make changes — but earlier often means smoother progress and fewer dental/orthodontic complications.​

​

Ready to take the next step?

Let’s talk — click the button below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation by phone or Zoom. We’ll explore what you’re seeing, answer your questions, and decide together if a full evaluation is the right next step.