02/02/2026
Tongue thrusting is a swallowing pattern where the tongue moves forward instead of lifting to the roof of the mouth.
It’s subtle, often overlooked, and incredibly common, especially in kids. Because swallowing happens hundreds to thousands of times a day, small patterns can matter over time.
This isn’t just about teeth. Tongue posture and swallowing patterns can influence jaw development, oral function, breathing habits, speech, and orthodontic stability as one part of a much bigger picture.
Want to check at home?
Have your child smile, keep their lips open, and swallow. Watch what the tongue does. If it pushes forward or presses against the teeth, that’s a pattern worth paying attention to.
Noticing signs doesn’t mean something is wrong. It simply means there’s information to work with.
👉 If you’re curious what this could mean for your child, comment QUIZ and we’ll send you a short educational quiz to help guide your next steps.
