Multidisciplinary Approaches to Tongue Thrust Management in Australia: An Exploratory Study

Introduction: Tongue thrust (TT) occurs when abnormal tongue movements cause the tongue to push against or between the teeth, potentially affecting eating, swallowing, breathing and speaking. There is limited literature on the diagnostic and treatment approaches for TT, as well as involvement of health practitioners in its management. This study aims to examine the current knowledge and practices related to TT diagnosis and treatment among health professionals in Australia. Methods: A two-phase explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted, comprising an online survey that collected participants’ demographic information and details on assessment, diagnosis, management, referral practices, and relevant experience and training. Phase one involved 47 health professionals from various disciplines in Australia who completed an online survey in its entirety. Phase two included in-depth interviews with seven speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to gain further insights into their experiences in managing TT. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interview data was analysed thematically. Results: The majority of participants diagnosed TT using clinical assessments, such as general observation and oral motor examinations. Treatment approaches commonly included orofacial myofunctional therapy and the use of myofunctional devices. Interviews with SLPs identified four key themes; tongue thrust as a symptom rather than a diagnosis, facilitators to effective treatment, find your tribe - multidisciplinary approaches to management, and still so much to learn – training and education gaps. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into how TT is identified, assessed, diagnosed, and managed by health professionals in Australia. It highlights the perspectives of SLPs' on treatment approaches, as well as their views on the availability and adequacy of training and education in this field. The findings suggest the need for a broader understanding of TT management, emphasising the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and professional development. These insights are globally relevant, as they stress the shared challenges and the value of international collaboration in improving TT diagnosis and treatment practices.