Recognizing Tongue Related Malocclusions

Introduction: With the emphasis today on holistic approaches to health care, the dentist/orthodontist can benefit from an awareness of the causes of functional malocclusions. There can be little disagreement that tongue pressures during swallowing, speech, and resting position, may be a contributing factor to certain malocclusions. This article is not intended to provide a comprehensive examination protocol but rather to raise the awareness of the dental community to tongue related malocclusions. Dentists and orthodontists may be in a position to see the beginning stages of many preventable problems. Early detection and intervention can be beneficial to the patient.