Incorrect lingual, or tongue, posture is usually the result of a tongue thrust. A tongue thrust occurs when the tongue pushes forward against or between the front teeth, especially when swallowing. Not only do tongue thrusts lead to dental malocclusions, often in the form of buck teeth, but according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, tongue thrusts can also cause improper speech patterns. Although this condition is often challenging to treat because of the subconscious nature of tongue positioning, daily exercises can help correct lingual posture and eliminate the tongue thrust.
Step 1
Locate the alveolar ridge, or the raised ridge on the upper part of the palate just behind the two front teeth, and touch it with a Popsicle stick. Use your tongue to trap the stick in that same spot. Associate professor Michelle Harmon, Ph.D. and certified speech language pathologist, suggests holding the stick in place for several seconds at a time, and performing this activity for five to 10 repetitions repeatedly throughout the day. If you don't have a Popsicle stick holding a Lifesaver or similar small candy in the correct spot also works.
Step 2
Press your lips closed when at rest as much as possible. Train yourself to note the difference in the sensation of allowing your lips to part while relaxed, which is incorrect, and holding them closed.
Step 3
Correct your lingual posture when swallowing by standing in front of a mirror with a cup of water. Take a tiny sip in your mouth and trap the water between your tongue and alveolar ridge. Push the drop back toward the throat with your tongue instead of forward when swallowing. Michelle Harmon suggests pulling the lower lip down with one finger while practicing, because incorrect technique will be easy to see when the water spills out of your mouth.
Step 4
Practice the correct swallowing posture on foods, starting with soft and working up to solids.
Things You'll Need
- Popsicle stick
- Lifesavers
- Cup
- Mirror
