How do I know if my child has a tongue thrust swallow?
One or more of the following signs may indicate your child has a tongue thrust:
Tongue comes between the teeth when producing the /s, z, t, d, n, l, sh/ sounds.
The mouth is open when at rest and/or the tongue is resting in the bottom of the mouth
You see the tongue move forward when swallowing
You see the tongue outside the mouth of a cup or straw
Lips are tense when swallowing
Lips are often crack, chapped, and/or are often licked
Frequent mouth breathing in the absence of allergies or nasal congestion
Prolonged sucking of thumb or pacifier
Prolonged sippy cup use
Chewing on clothes or objects
Orofacial features of tongue thrust include:
High narrow palate (roof of the mouth)
Open-bite or over bite
What is a tongue thrust?
Tongue thrust is also known as a "reverse" swallow or "immature" swallow. It is normal for an infant or young baby to use this swallowing pattern, but as they begin to start eating solid foods the tongue thrust should slowly "disappear" and they develop the mature swallow pattern.
What this video to see what a tongue thrust swallow looks like:
*Video courtesy of Sarah Hornsby
Contact Speech Language Voice & Swallowing to start the evaluation process today!
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