Tongue Thrust in Children and Adults: What You Should Know
What Is Tongue Tearing?
The word “tear” comes from the Latin root “to tear”. When the tongue is torn out of its place, it’s called tearing or ripping off. It may happen when there are no other options left. Or sometimes it happens due to some medical condition like diabetes mellitus (diabetes) or cancer.
When Does Tongue Tearing Occur?
It occurs at any age. But it usually starts during childhood. Sometimes it happens later in life too. It can occur even if the child doesn’t eat spicy food or drink alcohol. Some children have a tendency to tear their tongues out earlier than others. And some adults do it too!
So, what does it mean?
It means that the person has a certain predisposition towards it.
How Do I Prevent Tongue Tearing?
There is nothing wrong with eating spicy foods or drinking alcohol. There is nothing wrong with smoking either. However, these things don’t prevent tearing of the tongue out altogether. If you want to prevent tearing, then you need to take care of your diet and lifestyle as well as exercise regularly. For example, if you smoke cigarettes, quit right away! Do not wait until it’s too late. If you are obese or overweight, start working out and eating right. If you are a heavy drinker, cut down on your alcohol consumption. In other words, prevent tongue tearing by taking good care of your health!
How Does Tongue Tearing Happen?
Tongue tearing begins when the person is experiencing repeated trauma to the tongue. It usually occurs during sports like boxing. Tongue tearing can also occur unintentionally.
How To Stop Tongue Tearing Naturally?
If tongue tearing has started, it will not stop on its own. You need to see a professional as soon as possible. That’s the only way to stop the bleeding and prevent further damage. In some cases, surgery might be necessary to put the tongue back in place. But it should be done as quickly as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to permanent loss of sensation.
What Is Tongue Splitting?
Tongue splitting is quite similar to tongue tearing. It occurs during the growth phase of life. The pediatric dentist makes an incision of the tongue just like they would do to tie a necktie. Then, they use a tool called a elevator to split the tongue in half. It’s used to treat a condition called ankyloglossia or tongue-tie.
How Does Tongue Splitting Happen?
Tongue splitting (or division, as it is also called) happens during a minor medical procedure. It’s performed by a pediatric dentist with the help of an assistant. The split tongue will be free from any ties that bind it down. This allows the tongue to move freely inside the mouth. Before the procedure, numbing medication is applied to keep the patient from feeling any pain. The dentist will make a small incision with a scalpel. Then, he or she will use an elevator to split the tongue in half. The incision only heals within a week or so.
How To Prevent Tongue Splitting?
Tongue splitting can only happen if your pediatric dentist recommends it. It is a rare procedure and it’s only used to correct some minor abnormality. There is no way to prevent your tongue from being split, however, you can ask for a second opinion.
How Does Tongue Splitting Feel?
Tongue splitting is painless, but it might cause some bleeding. Heavy bleeding can be alarming for the first-timer, but it’s nothing to worry about. After the procedure, there might be some discomfort for a few days. It’s nothing a bit of analgesic can’t handle.
How Does Tongue Splitting Effect Everyday Life?
Once the tongue has been split, you won’t feel anything different. In fact, you won’t even be able to notice the split if you don’t pay attention. There isn’t any pain involved in the healing process either. The only thing you will have to do is take good care of your teeth and gums. This should go without saying.
How To Treat Tongue Splitting?
If you have undergone the tongue-splitting procedure, you will have to take good care of your teeth and gums. This will involve daily brushing and flossing. You should also watch what you eat and drink. Eating healthy is always important, but it’s even more so if you have had the tongue-splitting procedure done.
Is Tongue Splitting Painful?
Tongue splitting is not painful. In fact, it’s completely painless. The only thing that might be a bit uncomfortable is the process of splitting your tongue in half. This is done by using a special elevator tool to cut open the tongue and then seperate it using the small incision.
How To Treat Tongue Biting?
How do you treat tongue biting?
The best way is to learn to control your emotions and anger. If this isn’t possible, there are special devices you can buy that will prevent you from biting your tongue. These devices look like mouth guards and they fit snugly over your teeth and gums. They are hard enough to prevent you from cutting into your own mouth, but soft enough not to cause any pain or discomfort.
How To Treat Tongue Splitting Pain?
If you experience any pain or discomfort as a result of the tongue-splitting procedure, there are a few things you can do. First of all, keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing regularly. If you have any cuts, apply an antiseptic and cover them with a bandage. If pain persists, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Sources & references used in this article:
Is tongue thrust that develops during orthodontic treatment an unrecognized potential road block? by RB Pierce – 1978 – Cliffs Notes
Vertical interincisal trespass assessment in children with speech disorders by HS Chawla, S Suri, A Utreja – Journal of Indian Society of …, 2006 – annalsafrmed.org
Oral myofunctional therapy by MG Sahad, ACR Nahás, H Scavone-Junior… – Brazilian oral …, 2008 – SciELO Brasil
Malfunction of the tongue Part III by ML Hanson – American journal of orthodontics, 1978 – Elsevier
Treatment of Tongue Thrust with Hypnosis: Two Case Histories by WJ Straub – American Journal of Orthodontics, 1962 – Elsevier
The psychology of finger-sucking, tongue-sucking, and other oral “habits” by HP Golan – American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1991 – Taylor & Francis
A personal computer for children of all ages by W Sears, M Sears – 2008 – Little, Brown Spark
Treatment of tongue dysfunction: rehabilitation for prescribers’ practice by GHJ Pearson – American journal of orthodontics, 1948 – ajodo.org
