Dental problems can result

The act of swallowing is a vital function for survival. To swallow properly, muscles and nerves in the tongue, cheeks and throat must work together. Because a person swallows up to about 2,000 times a day, it's easy to see how improper swallowing can cause teeth movement.  Habits are hard to break - certainly a subconscious function of swallowing improperly for several years is no exception.

A correct swallow depends on proper balance between facial muscles, tongue and throat.

When a person swallows incorrectly, the tip and/or sides of the tongue press against or spread between the teeth. This is commonly referred to as tongue thrust.  Constant pressure (or thrusting) of the tongue pushing on the front teeth leads to improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth. This problem can lead to difficulties in biting, chewing and digesting food.

Fortunately, many children, teenagers and even adults have retrained and corrected poor swallowing habits with the help of a myofunctional therapist.