Speech & Language Therapy for Tongue Thrust
in West Bloomfield, MI
Are you noticing your child struggles to pronounce “s” and “z” sounds? Or frequently catching them with their mouth open rather than closed? These observations might be signs of tongue thrust, a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to mouth breathing, communication difficulties, shifting teeth, and other developments.
At Gigi’s Kids Speech & Language Therapy, we understand how much you want to see your child flourish in life — which is why our dedicated team carefully caters to your child’s needs through a personalized plan designed to unlock empowering results. Here, your child’s confidence can bloom.
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What Is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust is a condition where the tongue pushes against or between teeth while talking, eating, drinking, swallowing, or resting. During the first six months of childhood, a tongue thrust is a natural reflex that helps a child nurse and avoid either aspirating milk (having milk go down the airway) or choking on food or objects.
Sometimes, tongue thrusting becomes a habit that continues beyond six months. If your child is older than six months and showing signs of tongue thrust, it is time to treat the condition before it leads to speech-language, feeding or developmental challenges.
At Gigi’s Kids, you and your child will team up with a specialized therapist who will listen to your observations and interact with your child in a friendly environment to understand their needs. If the diagnosis is tongue thrust, your child’s therapist will craft a personalized treatment plan filled with fun, child-led exercises. Sessions and homework will help your child learn how to move and rest their tongue to improve speech, protect teeth, strengthen facial muscles, and train chewing, drinking, and swallowing biomechanics.
Common Signs of Tongue Thrust
If you are curious about whether or not your child is facing challenges from tongue thrust, here are some common signs you can look out for:
- Struggles saying “s” and “z” sounds
- Has teeth shifting before or after braces
- Keeps mouth open throughout the day
- Experiences low-quality sleep
- Feels jaw or facial fatigue
- Faces challenges while eating, drinking, or swallowing
- Displays low confidence when speaking or smiling
Common Causes of Tongue Thrust
Here are a few common causes of tongue thrust:
- Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier usage, or bottle feeding
- Habits that affect the tongue position and movement
- Mouth breathing due to persistent nasal blockage
- Tongue resting on the bottom of the mouth instead of the top
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- High or narrow palate
- Tongue tie
How Does Pediatric Speech & Language Therapy Treat Tongue Thrust?
At Gigi’s Kids, we are committed to helping your child overcome tongue thrust so they can thrive in life. Through engaging, evidence-based techniques informed by your child’s specific needs and goals, your child will discover how to move and position their tongue in ways that improve speaking, socializing, eating, sleeping, and more.
Our small but homey practice is where essential instructions for development become a playful, child-led learning experience. We will work together in a comfortable environment where your child feels seen, understood, and empowered as they learn and acquire their new skills.
Wherever your child is on their journey with tongue thrust, our compassionate team is here to pave a path to success and celebrate their progress every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tongue thrust in older children?
Tongue thrust is a condition where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth while a child is talking, eating, drinking, swallowing, or resting.
What are the common signs of tongue thrust?
Signs may include difficulty saying “s” and “z” sounds, keeping the mouth open throughout the day, jaw fatigue, shifting teeth, or difficulty swallowing.
What can cause a child to develop a tongue thrust habit?
It can be caused by prolonged thumb sucking, long-term pacifier use, mouth breathing from nasal blockage, enlarged tonsils, or having a naturally high and narrow palate.
How does pediatric speech therapy address tongue thrust?
Therapists use engaging, child-led exercises to help children learn proper tongue placement and movement for clearer speech and more effective swallowing.
Can therapy for tongue thrust help protect a child's teeth?
Yes. Speech therapy helps train the tongue to rest in the proper position away from the teeth, which may help prevent teeth from shifting before or after braces.
Get Started at Gigi’s Kids Today
Don’t wait another day to give your child the support they need to communicate confidently. Our team of expert therapists is ready to work with your family to help your child thrive. Give us a call today at (248) 735-8080 to schedule an evaluation, and let’s work together to support your child’s speech and language skills.