Frenectomy and tongue thrust connection
Thursday, 16 June 2011
I was wondering if you think (or if there is a consensus) that a tongue thrusting pattern is "normal"/typical swallowing pattern up to a certain age. I have read that it is normal for babies. I have also read that it is "normal" until the age of 6. I have also read that it is never normal, and even infants that are breastfeeding do not exhibit a forward tongue motion. I feel a little confused.
- Published in Dental Hygienist, Dentists, Orofacial Myologist, Orthodontist, physical therapists, SLP-A, speech languge pathologist, Therapists, Uncategorized
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Is there is a consensus that a tongue thrusting pattern is “normal”/typical up to a certain age?
Monday, 02 May 2011
tongue thrusting tends to spontaneously regress over time as neuromotor development results in the tongue elevating under control and as the dimensions of the oral cavity and pharynx are adapted to by the tongue. For 2, 3, 4, and even 5 year olds, it is not abnormal to see a tongue thrust, and when noted, this does not automatically indicate the need for treatment. In some cases, it is important NOT to treat such children.