Do You Have a Tongue Thrust Swallow?

Take the tongue thrust swallow test to find out!

Have you ever heard of a tongue thrust swallow? This is considered an abnormal swallowing pattern associated with an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder. Essentially, the tongue pushes OUT through the front teeth during a swallow.

If not corrected with Myofunctional Therapy, a tongue thrust swallow pattern can result in an open bite, chewing difficulties, speech errors, and impaired palate growth.

Here’s how to test to see if you have a tongue thrust swallow:

💧Take a small sip of water.

💧 Smile with your teeth showing, while holding the sip of water.

💧 Continue to smile with your teeth showing while you swallow.

💧If it is difficult or your tongue is visible, you may have a tongue thrust swallow pattern!

If you or your child has a tongue thrust, what can you do??

Finding a Speech-Language Pathologist with training in Feeding, Speech, and Myofunctional Therapy is the first step to treating a dysfunctional swallow pattern and creating new habits. We figure out the root cause. A tongue thrust may affect speech and feeding, as well as a child’s ability to make and maintain progress with orthodontics, so early intervention is best!

SLPs: are you looking for therapy materials to work on a tongue thrust swallow? Check out my Myofunctional Therapy Tongue Thrust Program. It's full of parent education, colorful visuals, exercises, and activities to address the core goals of Myofunctional Therapy.

Julie Mercadante is a Holistic Speech-Language Pathologist and Myofunctional Therapist based in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the founder of Juniper Speech Therapy, a private practice that focuses on whole-body approaches to speech, feeding, and orofacial development. Julie offers individualized care for children, teens, and adults is approved to accept Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds.