If your child develops a habit of tongue thrusting, it may cause serious damage to the development of their teeth and jaws. Dr. Jeff, Dr. Soo and Dr. Betina offer tongue cribs to help break this habit and help your child grow and develop properly.
Tongue cribs are an oral appliance designed to halt finger sucking and tongue thrusting habits. While most children will grow out of these habits on their own, some children may continue to pursue these habits and cause complications in the growth and development of their teeth and jaws.
A tongue crib consists of two bands and wires, forming a type of gate within the mouth. This gate helps remind your child to not put their fingers in their mouth and to keep their tongue back when they swallow. Tongue cribs are bonded in place and can only be removed by our orthodontists, preventing your child from taking the tongue crib out before they have broken their tongue thrusting habit. The length of time they will need to wear this appliance will depend on how long it takes to correct their habits.
Your child’s tongue may feel sore for a few days while they adjust to wearing the tongue crib. This is normal, and you can give your child mild pain relievers or anti-inflammatories as needed. Your child will need to avoid hard, sticky and sugary foods while wearing the tongue crib, and we recommend that you help them brush and floss their teeth, as well as the appliance, to maintain good oral hygiene, as this is important in avoiding cavities and other dental problems. If the appliance breaks, bends or becomes loose, contact Shirck Orthodontics as soon as possible so we can repair it.
If you have any questions about tongue cribs in Pataskala, New Albany, Westerville, Newark and Powell, Ohio, or to make an appointment with our orthodontists, give us a call today!
