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Atypical swallowing and teeth: how tongue pressure can affect dental alignment

Swallowing is the natural process that moves saliva or food from the mouth to the throat. Although it happens automatically many times throughout the day, the way we swallow can influence the position of our teeth and the development of the jaw.

At Tafur Dental Clinic Gibraltar, we sometimes see patients whose dental problems are linked to incorrect oral habits, particularly in children and teenagers whose jaws and teeth are still developing.

What does normal swallowing look like?

In a healthy swallowing pattern, the tongue gently rests against the palate and the muscles of the mouth work together in a balanced way. The teeth remain relaxed and are not pushed forward during the process.

This natural balance helps maintain proper dental alignment and supports normal development of the jaw.

What is atypical swallowing?

Atypical swallowing occurs when the tongue pushes against the teeth during the act of swallowing. Because swallowing happens thousands of times every day, this repeated pressure can gradually change the position of the teeth.

Over time this may lead to:

• teeth moving forward or out of position
• open bite
• crowding or alignment problems
• speech difficulties

When these changes appear, treatment such as orthodontic treatments in Gibraltar may be needed to correct the position of the teeth and restore a balanced bite.

How can this problem be detected?

In children, parents may sometimes notice that the tongue pushes against the teeth while swallowing or speaking. However, the habit can also go unnoticed until dental alignment problems appear later in life.

A dentist can evaluate tongue posture, swallowing patterns and the relationship between the teeth to determine whether atypical swallowing may be affecting oral health.