Tongue thrust is often accompanied by occlusal and alignment problems and can also be associated with articulation errors. Sounds that are most often distorted by inaccurate tongue placement include tongue tip sounds /s, z, t, d, l, n/. Other sounds may be distorted if the oral structures are not in proper relationship, such as the case of a high and narrow palatal vault. Bunching of the tongue can affect palatal sounds, such as /S and dz/.

Dr. Cassinelli often works in conjunction with SAGE Speech & Learning's team to correct a tongue thrust.  Retraining the muscles must be done with both an appliance and therapy.  Dr. Cassinelli places the appliance, often called a bluegrass appliance, which helps teach the tongue to rest in proper position.  Swallowing therapy by a certified Speech Pathologist works with the child to develop sounds that have been distorted due tongue thrust.

Dr. Cassinelli always prefers a pacifier to a finger or thumb sucking habit. While pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs, Pacifier habits can be more easily broken than finger and thumb habits. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, consult your pediatric dentist.