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| Thrusting The Tongue |
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Pushed out front teeth are normally a case for braces and orthodontic treatment. However, dentists and orthodontists are now working to discover the reason the teeth were pushed out of alignment. In many cases, tongue thrusting is the cause. Tongue thrusting is swallowing by pushing your tongue forward against or between your teeth. The strength of the tongue will, over time, push the teeth out of alignment. Persistent tongue thrusting habits will damage any orthodontic corrections made to the teeth. Symptoms that tongue thrusting may be the cause of dental problems include a dry or chapped lower lip, a dropped jaw before and during a swallow, and a puckered facial expression while swallowing. Exercises and even dental appliances can be used to help break the habit of tongue thrusting. Over a period of months, these therapies will help teach proper swallowing and prevent tooth damage from the force of a tongue thrust. A dentist or orthodontist can provide additional information on the treatment of tongue thrusting.
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