Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The phenomenon of tongue thrust with a tongue-to-lip swallow is often associated with incompetent lips. This refers to the inability of the lips to fully close and maintain a seal, which can lead to changes in oral and facial musculature. When the lips are incompetent, it creates a scenario where the tongue may push forward, affecting the swallow pattern.

In those with incompetent lips, the constant posture of the lips can lead to the development of a tongue-thrust swallow pattern, where the tongue protrudes between the teeth as part of the swallowing process. This can further contribute to dental and orthodontic issues, including malocclusion and changes in the oral cavity's shape over time.

While factors such as oral breathing, thumb sucking, and prolonged pacifier use can also influence oral behaviors and patterns, particularly thumb sucking can lead to dental changes, they are not specifically defining characteristics of a tongue-thrust swallow associated with incompetent lips.