Ask an Expert: Baby tongue problem

Dental and Oral Health (Children)

Baby tongue problem
02/29/2008

Question:

Is the constant thrusting of the tongue (very long) of a baby an indication of mental retardation? The baby does not have Downs Syndrome.

Answer:

Tongue thrust can be influenced by many factors; among these are feeding problems, oral motor dysfunction (in which the 'coordination' of muscle groups that control actions such as swallowing, etc. are off), and skeletal open bites (in which teeth don't overlap when the mouth is closed and leave a gap that the tongue rests in). Some reports note frequent tongue 'thrusting' or movements in relation to teething as well. While there are syndromes that include both mental retardation and oral motor problems, these two can exist independently, and careful examination by a pediatrician and a pediatric dentist will help determine any potential causes.

Thanks for this interesting question.

For more information:

Go to the Dental and Oral Health (Children) health topic, where you can:

Read articles on this topic
Browse the previously asked questions

Response by:

Sarath Thikkurissy, DDS, MS
Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University