Tongue habit in children and the lingual crib
Correction of atypical swallowing, in which the tongue pushes against the teeth during swallowing or speech, for example with a lingual crib.
What is tongue thrust habit?
Tongue habit, also known as incorrect tongue habit or atypical swallowing, refers to an inadequate pattern of movement and position of the tongue during swallowing and speech. In normal swallowing, the tongue is placed against the palate and gently pushes food toward the throat. However, in the case of tongue habit, the tongue may push against the teeth or move forward between the teeth during swallowing.
Tongue habit can be caused by various factors, such as:
- Inadequate oral habits: Thumb sucking, lip sucking, or prolonged pacifier use can affect the development and position of the tongue.
- Structural problems: Some people may have structural abnormalities in the mouth or oral muscles, such as a misaligned jaw or a tongue that is too large, which can contribute to tongue habit.
- Mouth breathing: Chronic mouth breathing, due to nasal obstructions, allergies, or other respiratory problems, can cause the tongue to adopt a low and forward position.
- Dental malocclusions: Constant tongue pressure against teeth can alter their position and contribute to dental malocclusions, such as crowding or open bite.
Tongue habit can have negative consequences for oral health and facial development:
- Dental misalignment: Constant tongue pressure against teeth can cause dental crowding, spaces between teeth, or dental malpositions.
- Speech problems: Tongue habit can affect the pronunciation of certain speech sounds, such as the letters "s" or "r".
- Difficulties chewing and swallowing: The inadequate tongue movement pattern can interfere with efficient chewing and swallowing of food.
- Aesthetic problems: Tongue habit can influence the shape and position of the lips and facial muscles, which can affect the aesthetics of the smile and facial profile.
Treatment of tongue habit generally involves collaboration between dental professionals, such as orthodontists, speech therapists, or speech pathologists. The goal is to correct the tongue movement pattern and promote proper positioning during swallowing and speech. Therapy exercises, the use of orthodontic appliances, and modification of inadequate oral habits can be part of the treatment.
If the habit has already caused an open bite, orthodontic appliances for children help correct it during growth. If the tongue does not move properly because the frenulum is short, a frenectomy is considered.
What is the process to eliminate tongue habit?
The procedure to correct tongue habit can vary depending on the cause and severity of the problem. Treatment generally involves a combination of therapeutic approaches and changes in oral habits.
Common treatment steps
Evaluation and diagnosis
A specialist in orthodontics, speech therapy, or speech pathology will evaluate the tongue habit and determine the underlying cause. This may include a review of medical and dental history, as well as an evaluation of tongue position and movement during swallowing and speech.
Therapy and exercises
Specific exercises and speech therapy may be prescribed to correct tongue habit. These exercises may include strengthening oral muscles, training for proper tongue position during swallowing and speech, and techniques to re-educate incorrect movement patterns.
Orthodontic appliances
In some cases, orthodontic appliances may be recommended to correct tongue habit. These appliances may include plates or retainers that help keep the tongue in proper position and prevent it from pressing against the teeth.
Modification of oral habits
Work must be done on modifying inadequate oral habits that contribute to the problem. This may involve stopping thumb sucking, lip sucking, or pacifier use, and encouraging nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing.
Follow-up and monitoring
It is important to have regular follow-up with the specialist to evaluate progress and make necessary adjustments to treatment. Periodic visits may be scheduled for evaluations and adjustments to orthodontic appliances, as well as to continue with therapy and exercises.
It is essential to note that treatment of tongue habit requires time, patience, and commitment from both the patient and the specialist. Treatment success depends on active and constant collaboration by the patient to implement recommendations and practice correct exercises and habits. A multidisciplinary approach with the participation of professionals from different fields can be beneficial for comprehensively addressing tongue habit and achieving successful results.
Important information about tongue habit treatment
Treatment of tongue habit is a process that requires commitment and collaboration between the patient, family, and dental health professionals.
Multidisciplinary approach: The most effective treatment for tongue habit involves collaboration between orthodontists, speech therapists, and pediatric dentists. Each professional contributes their specific expertise to address different aspects of the problem, from physical correction with appliances to re-education of movement patterns with speech therapy.
Importance of early detection: Identifying and treating tongue habit at early stages can prevent more serious problems in dental and facial development. Early evaluation allows intervention before difficult-to-correct patterns become established and before significant changes occur in tooth position or facial structure.
Patient and family commitment: Treatment success largely depends on the patient's commitment and family support. It is essential to perform prescribed exercises regularly, use appliances as directed, attend all scheduled appointments, and maintain open communication with health professionals about any difficulty or question.
Treatment of tongue habit is an investment in long-term oral health and overall well-being. With the right approach and proper commitment, most patients successfully correct this habit and prevent future complications.
How much does a lingual crib to correct tongue habit cost?
Lingual crib
Advanced correction
Complete treatment to correct tongue habit with specialized orthodontic appliance. Includes appliance placement, monthly reviews, and progress monitoring.
Complete evaluation by orthodontist
Personalized lingual crib placement
Monthly reviews included
Necessary adjustments during treatment
Progress monitoring
Care and exercise instructions
Frequently asked questions about tongue habit and the lingual crib
Get answers about correcting tongue habit in children in Madrid. customer service.
The price of a lingual crib ranges from €250 to €500, including monthly check-ups with the orthodontist. The exact price is confirmed after the assessment.
It is an orthodontic appliance, also known as a tongue crib, used to correct tongue habit: it helps keep the tongue in the right position and stops it from pushing against the teeth. It is usually worn for 6 to 12 months, with regular check-ups, and can be combined with therapy exercises.
Yes. Constant pressure of the tongue against the teeth can change their position and contribute to malocclusions such as open bite or crowding, or cause gaps between the teeth. That is why it is best to detect and treat it early, before significant changes in tooth position occur.
It is an incorrect pattern of tongue movement and position when swallowing and speaking. In normal swallowing, the tongue rests against the palate; with a tongue habit, also called tongue thrust, the tongue pushes against the teeth or sits between them when swallowing.
The time of use of a lingual crib varies according to each individual case, but generally it is used for between 6 and 12 months. The orthodontist will determine the exact duration of treatment based on the severity of the tongue habit and the patient's response to treatment. It is important to follow the specialist's instructions and attend all scheduled reviews to evaluate progress and make necessary adjustments.
At first, it may feel a bit uncomfortable and affect pronunciation, but most people adapt quickly. Over time, it becomes less noticeable. During the first days, it is normal to experience a slight change in speech and a sensation of the appliance's presence in the mouth. However, with practice and patience, these effects significantly diminish within one or two weeks.
The ideal age to correct tongue habit is usually between 6 and 12 years old, when permanent teeth are erupting and facial development is still in process. However, each case is unique and treatment can begin earlier or later depending on the severity of the problem and its effects on dental and facial development. An early evaluation by an orthodontist or pediatric dentist can help determine the optimal time to start treatment.
If treatment is completed correctly and all specialist recommendations are followed, it is unlikely that the habit will return. However, it is essential to complete the entire recommended treatment period and perform the indicated myofunctional therapy exercises. In some cases, a retention or follow-up period may be necessary to ensure that new swallowing and tongue position patterns are maintained long-term.
During the first few days, there may be a slight adaptation in the way of eating, but most patients adjust quickly. It is recommended to avoid very hard or sticky foods that could damage the appliance. Over time, eating with the lingual crib becomes completely natural. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and carefully clean around the appliance after each meal to prevent food accumulation and maintain optimal oral health.