Have you ever heard of tongue-thrusting? If not, allow Rosario to explain: “Some individuals have a habit of pushing their tongue forward between the upper and lower teeth when they swallow, as opposed to pushing against their gum above the back of the upper front teeth,” she says. It may be lesser known to those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of dental care, but it can lead to some pretty serious problems if it goes unaddressed.
“This habit alone can lead to headaches, snoring, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, tooth and gum disease, and a relapse in ortho treatment,” Rosario explains (like, say, another round of braces). While this may not be something you are aware of now, it’s worth observing how you swallow. If you find yourself tongue-thrusting, you may want to work toward phasing out that habit if possible.
