When going through myofunctional therapy, one of the goals is to establish a correct swallowing pattern. This comes after establishing a lip seal/nasal breathing and goes hand in hand with establishing the correct tongue rest posture. An incorrect tongue rest posture and function is sometimes called a “tongue thrust.”
Signs of an abnormal swallowing pattern:
- Tongue pressing onto any teeth when swallowing
- Tongue pressing between teeth when swallowing
- Frequent burping or gas
- Stomach aches
- Acid reflux
- Lip, cheek, face or neck movement when swallowing
Correct Swallowing Pattern
While swallowing is one fluid motion it can be broken into phases. The first phase is bringing food or liquid into the mouth, preparing it to be swallowed, and gathering it onto the top of the tongue.
Next, the tongue should press up and back to move the food or liquid to the back of the throat in a wave like motion. The tongue should not press onto or through the teeth in any area. There should be very little lip, cheek, face, or neck movement. These first parts of swallowing are part of the oral phase and, while often done subconsciously, are voluntary movements.
During myofunctional therapy, exercises and guidance will be given to work on improving the oral phase of swallowing. Drinking from a variety of containers and chewing/swallowing a variety of foods is often practiced.
The next phases of swallowing are involuntary and include the pharyngeal phase and esophageal phase. If a client is having trouble with these involuntary phases of swallowing, a referral to a specialist would be made.
Why does swallowing pattern matter?
The tongue is a strong group of muscles that swallows hundreds of times a day whether it be saliva, liquid, or food. If the tongue presses against or between the teeth when swallowing it can create malocclusion (abnormal way that teeth line up) from the forces.
For example: A tongue pressing through the teeth hundreds of times a day when swallowing may prevent the teeth from closing into a normal bite. Furthermore, if teeth were aligned with orthodontics but the person still had an abnormal swallowing pattern, the perfectly aligned teeth might shift back to the abnormal position.
With an abnormal swallowing pattern a person is more likely to swallow excess air resulting in digestive issues. This might include increased burping, gas, stomach aches, and/or acid reflux.
Often times an abnormal swallowing pattern will involve the use of muscles that should not be used for swallowing. Excess lip, cheek, face, and/or neck movement during the swallow may be evident. This can result in pain and tension in various parts of the head and neck area.
Incorrect swallowing pattern can be due to a tongue tie, mouth breathing, low tongue rest posture, non nutritive sucking habits, lack of nursing as an infant, and more.
If you have questions about or want to discuss abnormal swallowing patterns contact us.