HABIT ( TONGUE THRUST HABIT) It is defined as condition in which the tongue makes contact with any teeth anterior to the molars during swallowing. ETIOLOGY Fletcher has proposed the following factors being the cause for tongue thrusting. 1) Learned behavior Tongue thrust can be acquired as a habit. The pre disposing factors are- a) Tenderness of gum or teeth. b) Improper bottle feeding. c) Prolonged thumb sucking. d) Prolonged tonsillar and upper respiratory tract infections. 2) Genetic factors Some of the anatomic or neuromuscular variations in the oro -facial region that can precipitate tongue thrust. Ex- Hypertonic orbicularis oris activity. 3) Maturational Infantile swallow changes to maturational swallow, once the posterior deciduous teeth are erupting. 4) Mechanical restrictions Conditions such as Macroglosssia, constricted dental arches, en...