April 21, 2026
We Can All Learn New Things
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
A few months ago I accepted an adult client who called about tongue thrust concerns. I had just completed some training through Feed the Peds ® and consulted with an additional colleague who specializes in orofacial myofunctional therapy. I candidly shared with my new client that we would be learning together and, if she was okay with it, her treatment would start. Using the Swallow Right ® program as a guide, we both embarked on this learning journey.
My client shared that she wore braces for three years and was currently fitted with Invisalign. Her dentist candidly explained that until she corrected the tongue thrust which occurred every time she swallowed, she would continue to struggle to straighten her teeth. Teeth respond to pressure and seeing that we swallow on average 580 to 900 times a day according to different sources, that is a lot of pressure on our teeth if our tongue thrusts forward.
As we learned together, my client found a new resting posture “tongue on the spot” where the tongue tip rests behind the upper teeth. She learned how to swallow saliva and water in a new way. At our most recent session, she shared how her dentist recommended moving her invisalign to just night wear and she now has a beautiful smile. While addressing her tongue thrust, she also addresses a frontal lisp she has had for years. Her co-workers no longer have to ask her to repeat herself in conversation.
Her words “I feel so empowered!” will stay with me. Life is about learning new things and I am so happy I have the opportunity to learn and grow with my client!