Tongue Thrust Reflex and Tongue Thrusting in Children

The tongue thrust reflex is a normal part of infant development and plays an important role in feeding during the first few months of life. As children grow, this reflex naturally disappears and is replaced by a mature swallowing pattern. If tongue thrusting continues beyond infancy, however, it can affect speech, tooth alignment, and jaw development.

What Is the Tongue Thrust Reflex?

The tongue thrust reflex, also called the extrusion reflex, is a natural reflex present at birth. When something touches a baby’s lips or tongue, the tongue automatically pushes forward.

This reflex serves an important purpose by helping babies:

• Breastfeed or bottle-feed effectively
• Protect their airway
• Prevent choking by pushing unfamiliar objects out of the mouth before they are ready for solid foods

The tongue thrust reflex is completely normal in newborns and young infants and is an important part of healthy development.

When Does the Tongue Thrust Reflex Go Away?

The tongue thrust reflex typically begins to disappear between 4 and 6 months of age. This timing coincides with when most babies begin eating solid foods.

As the reflex fades, babies develop greater control over their tongue movements, allowing them to:

• Move food toward the back of the mouth
• Swallow more efficiently
• Eat from a spoon
• Develop more mature oral motor skills

Every child develops at a slightly different pace, but the reflex should go away as babies gain better control of their tongue movements.

When Tongue Thrusting Continues Beyond Infancy

Once the infant reflex has disappeared, the tongue should no longer press forward during swallowing. If it does, the pattern is no longer considered a normal reflex.

Persistent tongue thrusting occurs when the tongue repeatedly pushes against or between the front teeth while swallowing, speaking, or resting. This condition is sometimes referred to as a tongue thrust swallow or orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD).

Unlike the normal infant reflex, persistent tongue thrusting may contribute to changes in tooth position and bite development over time.

Signs of Tongue Thrusting

Signs of tongue thrusting may include:

• The tongue pushing between the front teeth when swallowing
• An open bite where the front teeth do not fully touch
• Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, such as S, Z, T, D, or L
• Mouth breathing
• Lips that remain open at rest
• Food leaking from the mouth while eating

Some children have only mild tongue thrusting, while others develop noticeable changes in their bite or speech.

Why Some Children Continue Tongue Thrusting

Several factors can contribute to persistent tongue thrusting, including:

• Prolonged thumb sucking
• Extended pacifier use
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Allergies that make nasal breathing difficult
• Certain neurological or developmental conditions

Because treatment depends on the underlying reason for the tongue thrusting, a comprehensive evaluation is often the first step.

Why Early Treatment Is Important

Persistent tongue thrusting places repeated pressure on the teeth every time a child swallows. Since people swallow hundreds of times each day, that constant pressure can gradually influence tooth position and jaw development.

If left untreated, tongue thrusting may contribute to:

• An open bite
• Teeth that protrude forward
• Orthodontic relapse after braces
• Ongoing speech difficulties
• Continued mouth breathing

Early identification often makes treatment more effective and may help reduce future orthodontic problems. During routine dental exams, Dr. Davis monitors your child’s bite, oral habits, and overall oral development. Because tongue thrusting is sometimes associated with mouth breathing or airway concerns, regular checkups can help identify potential issues early and determine whether additional evaluation or treatment is recommended.

How To Stop Tongue Thrusting

The best way to stop tongue thrusting depends on what is causing it. Simply telling a child to keep their tongue back is usually not enough because the habit is often unconscious.

Treatment may include:

• Identifying and addressing the underlying cause
• Eliminating habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
• Myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue and facial muscle function
• Orthodontic treatment if tongue thrusting has affected the bite
• Evaluation of enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or chronic mouth breathing when appropriate

Because every child is different, treatment is individualized based on age, symptoms, and the underlying cause.

Healthy Smiles Begin With Healthy Development

The tongue thrust reflex is a normal part of infancy, but persistent tongue thrusting in older children may affect the way their teeth, jaws, and speech develop. If you have concerns about your child’s oral development, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation. Early care can often prevent more complex dental and orthodontic problems in the future. 

To book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ, call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 S Power Rd STE 102, Mesa, AZ 85209. We proudly serve patients throughout the Phoenix East Valley, including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Apache Junction, and Queen Creek.

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