Tongue Thrust Therapy 1.3

The Tongue Thrust Therapy Program

The Tongue Thrust Therapy Program offers a comprehensive solution for individuals needing assistance with tongue thrust therapy. This program focuses on retraining oral musculature to promote a correct and mature swallow pattern devoid of any tongue thrust movement or pressure. It includes techniques to enhance awareness of the mouth, facial muscles, and tongue muscles, as well as exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination.

The program provides an initial assessment to identify the presence and severity of tongue thrust. It also outlines weekly session guidelines for the ten-week program, featuring a variety of exercises designed to be consistently practiced. Each weekly guideline contains detailed descriptions, tips, and video demonstrations to ensure exercises are executed correctly.

It is recommended that the Tongue Thrust Therapy Program be utilized under the supervision of certified professionals such as Speech Language Pathologists, Dentists, Orthodontists, or Orofacial Myologists. Although professional oversight is crucial, optimal results are achieved with the involvement of parents in supporting and practicing techniques at home. To facilitate this collaboration, upon purchase of the program by a qualified professional, parents/students/clients under their direction are granted complimentary access to the entire program.

What is a Tongue Thrust

A tongue thrust, also known as an orofacial myofunctional disorder, is characterized by the exaggerated forward movement of the tongue during speech and swallowing. It may rest too far forward or protrude between the upper and lower teeth during various activities.

Articulation Implications

Research indicates that over 81% of children with speech and articulation disorders exhibit an underlying tongue thrust condition. This issue can hinder the development of tongue muscles and impede the production of age-appropriate speech sounds. The Tongue Thrust Therapy Program addresses these root causes effectively, equipping children with essential skills for proper speech sound development. When used alongside traditional articulation therapy, this program can accelerate progress and enhance outcomes significantly.

Dental Implications

Individuals typically swallow between 1,200 and 2,000 times in a 24-hour period, exerting considerable pressure each time. In cases of tongue thrust, this persistent pressure can misalign teeth by pushing them out of their correct position. Many orthodontic treatments yield seemingly successful results only to relapse due to an undiagnosed or unaddressed tongue thrust issue. Failure to curb the continuous pushing action of the tongue against teeth can compromise previous orthodontic work by pushing teeth forward again. The Tongue Thrust Therapy Program aims to prevent such setbacks by targeting and correcting the underlying causes.