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First, no liquid is to be taken when eating. Our grandmother taught us not to "wash our food down" when we swallowed. Even though she did not understand "why" she was right. In the swallowing pattern of a true tongue-thruster, the tongue does not push the food down the throat. Instead, it thrusts forward, leaving the food at the base of the tongue. The liquid, then, washes the food down, similar to taking a pill. By eliminating liquids while eating, the patient is forced to swallow properly.
Second, the tongue is a voluntary muscle and therefore can be trained just as any other muscle in our bodies can be trained. You will be taught three exercises that will allow you to swallow properly and help control the vertical growth pattern. (Note: to be successful in the open bite case, the teeth must also be moved orthodontically to close the bite.)
EXERCISES:
CLICK: Place the tip of the tongue to the roof of your mouth; press, then bring it down forcefully to create a clicking or popping sound. This is to be repeated as often as possible throughout the day. By doing this repeatedly, the tongue muscle begins to feel more comfortable resting on the roof of your mouth rather than around your front teeth.
SLURP: After practicing the first exercise, then place the tongue as if to click but instead, suck air back in the mouth. This pulls the tongue back. Then press on the top of your mouth with your tongue and swallow, not allowing the tongue to thrust forward.
SQUEEZE: Squeeze your teeth together as hard as possible for 15 seconds, relax then do it again for a total of four times. Please repeat this 5 times per day.
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