How To Tell If Your Child is Tongue Thrusting

What Is Tongue Thrusting?

Tongue thrusting happens when a child pushes their tongue against or between the front teeth while swallowing, speaking, or even resting.

This movement is different from the natural swallowing pattern and can shift the teeth out of place over time. You may notice your child’s tongue poking out slightly during everyday speech or while eating.

Tongue thrusting often starts early, sometimes as a continuation of other habits like thumb sucking or long-term pacifier use. These behaviours can change the way a child’s mouth develops, making it more likely that the tongue will rest in the wrong position. If the pattern continues, it can lead to dental, speech, or breathing issues later on.

This habit doesn’t usually go away on its own and may not be obvious at first. Because it happens during actions like swallowing, it can be hard to catch unless you know what to watch for. That’s why it helps to understand the signs early.

How Can You Tell If Your Child is Tongue Thrusting?

Tongue thrusting can be easy to miss, especially in young children. Many parents assume their child’s way of swallowing or speaking is normal for their age. Watching closely during meals or conversations can reveal behaviours that point to tongue thrusting.

One of the most common signs is when a child pushes their tongue forward during swallowing or speaking. Instead of the tongue staying pressed against the roof of the mouth, it moves toward or between the front teeth. You might notice the tongue peeking out or your child needing to swallow multiple times to clear food. Over time, this forward motion can start to affect the shape and position of the teeth.

Another clear sign is a lisp or unclear speech. Tongue thrusting often makes it harder for kids to pronounce sounds like “s” and “z” correctly. If your child’s speech seems different from their peers or if they are having trouble being understood, this pattern could be part of the reason. Many speech therapists and teachers notice these issues early in school-age children and may bring them to your attention.

Posture and breathing habits can also offer clues. Children who frequently breathe through their mouth or leave their lips slightly open at rest may also have tongue thrust. The tongue might rest low or against the teeth instead of staying up in the mouth. These patterns can be subtle, but they matter over time.

To help you spot the signs, here’s a checklist:

1. Tongue pushes between or against front teeth during speech or swallowing
2. Mouth remains slightly open when resting
3. Tongue visible between teeth when talking or eating
4. Lisp or unclear pronunciation of “s” and “z” sounds
5. Frequent mouth breathing, even when not congested
6. Thumb sucking or pacifier use that continued past age three
7. Crooked or forward-leaning front teeth

If you notice more than one of these signs, it’s a good idea to speak with your child’s dentist or a speech therapist.

They can help confirm whether tongue thrusting is present and guide you on what to do next. Acting early gives you more control over your child’s treatment path and can prevent more complicated issues later on.

If you’re concerned about your child’s tongue thrusting

Kids Dental Group offers free consultations

Problems Caused By Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting often leads to changes in how your child’s teeth grow and how their mouth functions. Over time, the repeated pressure from the tongue can push teeth forward or out of place. These changes can affect both appearance and comfort.

Here are some common problems linked to tongue thrusting:

1. Overbite: The upper front teeth can be pushed forward, making the bite uneven and chewing less efficient.
2. Tooth Misalignment: Teeth may shift out of position, leading to crowding, spacing, or bite issues that interfere with speaking and eating.
3. Speech Difficulties: Incorrect tongue placement makes it harder to pronounce certain sounds clearly, especially “s” and “z.”
4. Need for More Involved Orthodontic Treatment: If the habit continues after the permanent teeth come in, braces or other dental work may be needed to correct the changes.
5. Aesthetic and Self-Esteem Concerns: Visible changes in the teeth or speech can make some children feel self-conscious or less confident when interacting with others.

Recognizing these issues early gives you the chance to step in before they get harder to manage.

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Problems Caused by Tongue Thrusting in Children and How to Treat Them

How Do You Treat Tongue Thrusting?

You can manage tongue thrusting at home or with help from a dental team, depending on your child’s age and how much the habit has developed. For younger children, gentle reminders, speech therapy, or myofunctional exercises can help train the tongue to stay in the right position. Some parents find that practicing correct swallowing and tongue posture during meals makes a noticeable difference.

If those strategies aren’t enough, or if your child is over six and the habit continues, a habit breaking appliance is recommended. These appliances are fixed in place by a dentist and keep the tongue from pushing forward during swallowing or speaking. The device helps retrain muscle patterns by blocking the tongue’s forward movement.

At-home techniques often work best when the child is young and the tongue thrust is mild. As your child gets older, or if the pattern is strong and affecting speech or tooth alignment, using a habit appliance gives more reliable results. Dentists sometimes combine the appliance with speech therapy, depending on your child’s specific needs.

You can read our full guide on

How Do You Treat Tongue Thrusting in Children?

Kids Dental Group Can Help with Tongue Thrusting

We understand how stressful it can feel to notice something off with your child’s speech or smile. Tongue thrusting may seem small at first, but we’ve seen how much it can affect daily life—and we’re here to help.

At Kids Dental Group, we focus on prevention and gentle care. Our team can assess your child’s habits, explain your options, and guide you through treatment at a pace that works for your family. If you’re unsure whether your child needs help, we invite you to book a free consultation.

We welcome families at all four of our locations: Richmond Hill, Markham, Stouffville, and Hillcrest. Give us a call or send us a message to get started.

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