Bi-Lateral Tongue Thrust
Lack of nasal breathing or sleep disordered breathing may lead to the tongue moving or resting forward and pushing against the teeth (static). During the swallow, instead of pushing up to the palate the tongue moves forward or laterally, called anterior, bi-lateral, uni- lateral or bi-maxillary tongue thrust (dynamic). Forward static tongue rest position also may to lead to abnormal development of the palate (restricted).
OMT
HELPS
After ruling out allergies, nasal obstruction and muscle low tone, OM therapists will modify the behavior of the patient to promote a lip seal, including normalizing the breathing if the patient is a mouth breather.
IF NOT
TREATED
If the cause of the open mouth posture is not corrected, the patient may develop a forward head posture, atypical swallowing, a long face syndrome, lack of negative pressure or a vacuum seal of the tongue on the palate and a narrowing of the palate. Malocclusion and OSA may also be present.
4. Bi-Lateral Tongue Thrust
–Pizolato RA, Silva De Freitas Fernandes F, Beatriz Duarte Gavião M. Deglutition and temporomandibular disorders in children. Minerva Stomatol. 2009 Nov-Dec;58(11-12):567-76.
–Cabrera Mde C1, Cabrera CA, de Freitas KM, Janson G, de Freitas MR. Lateral open bite: treatment and stability. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2010 May;137(5):701-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2007.11.037.