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Summary
Tongue thrust, a condition affecting oral posture, may resolve naturally or require myofunctional therapy. Treatment timing for tongue thrust and malocclusion should be individualized based on patient factors.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Tongue thrust is a pattern of tongue placement and movement during swallowing.
- Its relationship with malocclusion (improper bite) is complex and potentially reciprocal.
- Spontaneous resolution of tongue thrust can occur, but is not guaranteed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present evidence supporting the hypotheses regarding tongue thrust and malocclusion.
- To discuss the spontaneous resolution of tongue thrust.
- To advocate for individualized treatment when spontaneous resolution does not occur.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence and clinical observations.
- Hypothesis formulation based on the presented evidence.
- Proposal of a standardized definition for tongue thrust.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a reciprocal relationship between tongue thrust and malocclusion.
- Tongue thrust patterns can resolve spontaneously.
- Myofunctional therapy is a potential treatment, with timing being a critical consideration.
Conclusions:
- A reciprocal relationship exists between tongue thrust and malocclusion.
- Treatment for persistent tongue thrust, potentially myofunctional therapy, should be individualized.
- Further research necessitates a standardized definition of tongue thrust.