Role of Myofunctional Speech Therapists in Treating Tongue Thrust and Speech Issues
Many children—and even adults—struggle with speech issues caused not by vocabulary or comprehension, but by how the tongue and mouth muscles function. One of the most common problems is tongue thrust, where the tongue pushes forward during swallowing, speaking, or even while at rest. This seemingly small habit can have major effects, from misaligned teeth and unclear speech to difficulty in orthodontic treatment.
This is where a myofunctional speech therapist plays a crucial role. These specialized professionals combine traditional speech therapy with orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) to retrain the tongue and oral muscles, creating long-lasting improvements in speech, swallowing, and overall oral health.
What Is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust is a condition where the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth during activities such as:
Swallowing
Speaking
Resting posture
Instead of resting against the palate (roof of the mouth), the tongue develops an incorrect position. Over time, this can lead to:
Speech problems (such as lisps or unclear sounds)
Dental misalignment (open bites, overbites, or orthodontic relapse)
Mouth breathing and improper swallowing
Oral habits like thumb sucking that reinforce the dysfunction
Tongue thrust is particularly common in children but can persist into adulthood if not corrected.
Who Are Myofunctional Speech Therapists?
A myofunctional speech therapist is typically a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has undergone additional training in orofacial myofunctional therapy.
Unlike standard speech therapists who focus mainly on sound production and language skills, myofunctional speech therapists take a holistic approach. They not only address the mechanics of speech but also retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw to function properly.
How Myofunctional Speech Therapy Works
Therapy is based on individualized exercises that strengthen and coordinate oral muscles. Here’s what a typical treatment plan might involve:
Initial Assessment
The therapist evaluates tongue posture, breathing habits, and swallowing patterns.
A speech analysis is conducted to identify how tongue thrust impacts clarity.
Tongue Posture Training
Exercises help the tongue learn its correct resting position on the palate.
Patients practice keeping lips closed and breathing through the nose.
Swallowing Correction
Therapists guide patients in eliminating tongue thrust during swallowing.
Proper patterns reduce pressure on teeth and improve digestion efficiency.
Speech Exercises
Targeted practice improves articulation of sounds like “s,” “sh,” and “ch,” which are often distorted by tongue thrust.
Habit Elimination
Support is provided for breaking harmful habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use.
Through consistent practice at home and regular sessions with the therapist, patients develop stronger oral muscles and more precise speech.
Benefits of Myofunctional Speech Therapy for Tongue Thrust
1. Clearer Speech and Better Communication
By addressing the underlying tongue placement, patients often overcome lisps and other articulation issues, leading to more confident speaking.
2. Improved Orthodontic Outcomes
Correct tongue posture prevents teeth from shifting after braces, making orthodontic results last longer.
3. Healthier Swallowing Patterns
Proper swallowing prevents unnecessary stress on teeth and jaws, while also encouraging nasal breathing.
4. Relief from Mouth Breathing
Since mouth breathing often contributes to tongue thrust, therapy supports a healthier airway and better oxygen intake.
5. Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem
Children and adults alike benefit from clearer speech and improved facial muscle balance, which enhances social and academic performance.
Who Can Benefit from a Myofunctional Speech Therapist?
Children with speech delays or lisps
Teens undergoing orthodontic treatment who need support to maintain results
Adults with lingering tongue thrust from childhood
Individuals struggling with sleep apnea or mouth breathing
Anyone experiencing TMJ pain linked to oral muscle imbalance
Because tongue thrust impacts multiple aspects of health, therapy is often recommended by dentists, orthodontists, pediatricians, and sleep specialists.
A Collaborative Approach
Myofunctional speech therapists often work closely with:
Orthodontists (to ensure treatment success and prevent relapse)
Dentists (to address oral health concerns)
ENT specialists (to manage airway or nasal breathing issues)
Pediatricians (to monitor development in children)
This teamwork ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, targeting both the symptoms and root causes of their challenges.
Getting Started with Therapy
If you or your child show signs of tongue thrust or speech difficulties, the first step is to schedule an evaluation with a certified myofunctional speech therapist.
During this consultation, you can expect:
A detailed assessment of tongue posture, breathing, and swallowing
A personalized therapy plan with daily exercises
Guidance on how to integrate practice into everyday routines
With consistency, most patients see noticeable improvements in a few months, with long-term benefits that last a lifetime.
Conclusion
Tongue thrust and speech issues can feel frustrating, but they don’t have to be permanent. Myofunctional speech therapists provide a unique and highly effective approach that corrects not only speech sounds but also the underlying muscle patterns that cause them.
By combining speech therapy with orofacial myofunctional techniques, these specialists help patients achieve clearer communication, healthier oral function, and greater confidence.
If you or your child are struggling with tongue thrust, now may be the perfect time to explore the lasting benefits of myofunctional speech therapy.
