Tongue thrust swallowing in severely physically disabled children.

In five patients with severe physical and mental disabilities, a feeding pattern with tongue thrust was assessed videofluoroscopically. Forward and backward movements of the tongue associated with movements of the mandible propelled the bolus, and the insufficiently formed bolus spilled out anteriorly and laterally in part. The swallowing reflex was accompanied by tongue thrust. After the reflex, a part of the bolus frequently remained on the vallecula and pyriform sinuses. The suckle pattern shown by infants is suggested to remain and develop into this feeding pattern with tongue thrust.