Many people struggle with this problem and yet it often goes untreated and undiagnosed.  This problem occurs when the tongue rests against or between the teeth causing serious damage to the bite.  The individual may often sit with the lips apart.  Speech problems may co-exist but not always.  In addition, with every swallow, the tongue pushes strongly against or between the teeth causing even more damage!  We swallow about 1,600 times each day so you can imagine the stress this places on your beautiful smile.  Typically, this problem is identified through your orthodontist and/or general dentist.  Individuals with this problem often complain of allergies or asthma, may have a history of chronic ear infections or enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids, deviated nasal septum, or may even have sucked the thumb or finger(s) through the developmental years.  The adult swallow is typically in place by age 7.0 years.  You can imagine the problems that can persist into adulthood if during those critical developmental years the tongue was being held low and forward due to airway obstruction or thumb sucking.  The good news is that this habit is easily changed!  Therapy is most successful with early adolescents and adults.  It's not too late to have the beautiful smile you want.  If you are entertaining the thought of orthodontics for yourself or your child, and any of the above problems sound familiar, please call and get the answers you deserve about this area of need.