There are a lot of things that cause crooked teeth. You may have a genetic predisposition to crooked teeth. If you sucked your thumb or a pacifier as a child, you may also have crooked teeth as well as bite issues. Sometimes, teeth become crooked due to overcrowding. Did you know that your tongue can also make your teeth crooked? Here is some information about tongue thrusting and how it can impact your teeth.
A Little About Your Tongue
Your tongue is a very important muscle. It is responsible for moving food along the digestive tract, which starts in your mouth. You also need your tongue to speak properly. In fact, your tongue is responsible for many speech issues that children and some adults have. There is a reflex action called tongue thrusting that can cause your front teeth to become crooked.
What Is Tongue Thrusting?
For the first few months of life, tongue thrusting is perfectly natural. Babies need to have their tongues push forward against their palate to help them swallow milk without choking. However, as babies grow into toddlers, they need their tongue to move food toward the back of their throats far less often because the other muscles in their jaw and throat take over the job.
If your child is older and you notice they have a lisp, they may have an issue with tongue thrusting. You may notice they always have their tongue pushed forward in their mouths. You may also notice their front teeth look like they sit too far forward, or they may look pushed out in comparison to their other teeth. The American Dental Association states between 5 and 15 percent of people (both children and some adults) need tongue thrust therapy to retrain their tongues not to push forward.
What Should I Do?
If you are concerned that one of your children may have a tongue thrust issue, or you think your tongue may be the reason your front teeth are crooked, we can help. Why not reach out to us today to schedule an appointment? Our dentist can have a look at your tongue and teeth placement to determine whether you may have tongue thrust. Then, they can recommend a treatment plan.
There are a lot of things that cause crooked teeth. You may have a genetic predisposition to crooked teeth. If you sucked your thumb or a pacifier as a child, you may also have crooked teeth as well as bite issues. Sometimes, teeth become crooked due to overcrowding. Did you know that your tongue can also make your teeth crooked? Here is some information about tongue thrusting and how it can impact your teeth.