What is a Tongue Crib and How Does It Help?

What is Tongue Thrusting?

Tongue thrusting happens when your tongue pushes against the front teeth while talking, eating, or even when it's resting. The tongue moves forward instead of staying in its natural place on the roof of the mouth. This reflex is common in young children, especially those who suck their thumbs or fingers.

What Causes It?

Some of the most common causes include:

• Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, or extended bottle feeding.

• Muscle or jaw structure abnormalities.

• A naturally large tongue.

• Hereditary factors, such as jaw shape or angle.

• Enlarged tonsils or swollen adenoids.

• Nasal congestion or allergies causing mouth breathing.

If you notice any of these things, consult your pediatrician. Your health insurance coverage should support you with any testing or treatment related costs.

When Does Tongue Thrusting Typically Begin?

Tongue thrusting usually starts early in life as a natural part of feeding and swallowing. Babies are born with a forward tongue movement, and many children also suck on their thumbs, pacifiers, or toys. Most children outgrow tongue thrusting by the age of four or five as their swallowing patterns mature.

How Does a Tongue Crib Work to Stop Thumb Sucking?

A tongue crib helps with the following:

• It prevents the thumb or finger from reaching the roof of the mouth.

• Keeps the tongue from moving forward.

• Closes open bite gaps.

• Disrupts thumb sucking quickly by removing the soothing sensation.

When Should You Consider Getting a Tongue Crib?

A tongue crib can help both kids and adults. You should consider getting a tongue crib if:

• Your child's tongue thrusting doesn't stop after age 5.

• Your child sucks their thumb even after they turn 2.

• You or your child has teeth that are not lined up correctly, have visible gaps, or an open bite.

• Speech problems.

A dentist or orthodontist can assess the situation and determine if you need a tongue crib. Check whether the maternity cover in your health insurance can cover these costs related to your baby.

What to Expect?

It takes some time to get used to a tongue crib once it's in place. This is what you can expect:

• You should be able to get used to the tongue crib in about one to two weeks.

• Your gums may feel sore; always check to see if the crib is pushing against them.

• Most people wear a tongue crib for 6 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the tongue thrusting.

• If the crib becomes loose or a wire breaks, show it to your dentist.

Tips to Care

Here are some care tips to follow for a tongue crib:

• To keep plaque and food from getting stuck, brush the tongue crib well after every meal.

• To keep your gums healthy, be extra careful when brushing near the bands that are attached to your back teeth.

• Gum, toffees, and chewy candies can get stuck in the crib, making it difficult to clean.

• Go to the dentist regularly to ensure the crib is positioned correctly and that everything is healing as expected.

Are Tongue Cribs Effective and Safe to Use?

Yes, tongue cribs are safe and effective when fitted by a professional. They offer the following benefits:

• Recommended by orthodontists as a trusted solution.

• Hidden behind the teeth, so not easily visible.

• No long-term pain, only slight discomfort in the beginning.

• Helps improve teeth alignment and overall oral health.

Conclusion

A tongue crib is a simple and effective way to help stop habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. It's not as scary as it sounds; there are no painful wires or hard-to-understand steps. It's just a small appliance that does its job quietly and efficiently.

You should always consult with your dentist to determine if a tongue crib is the right choice for your child. It's a good idea to review your health insurance plan to determine if it covers such treatments under dental benefits. Taking care of habits like tongue thrusting early can prevent more problems from happening later. It can also help you or your child speak, smile, and eat with confidence.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Sources: empiredentalspecialty, aligndentalcare

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on July 30, 2025