Prevalence of Tongue Thrusting in Indian Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies.

INTRODUCTION

Oral habits such as tongue thrusting can cause deleterious effects on jaw growth and lead to malocclusion. Various studies have been done among various age-groups to check the prevalence of various oral habits. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) is to assess the prevalence of tongue-thrusting habit in Indian children below 18 years of age.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Two researchers searched literature using appropriate keyword combinations in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Observational studies on prevalence of tongue-thrusting habit in Indian population below 18 years of age with full texts in English were included. Subgroup analysis was done based on region (Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chennai, and Karnataka).

RESULT: In the meta-analysis based on 20 studies (N = 53,245), the percentage pooled prevalence was found to be 16.12 (CI: 9.12-24.64). All the results were statistically significant. Random effects model (REM) was used, as the heterogeneity (I 2: 99.82) was high. Publication bias, assessed using tool by Hoy et al., was low.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of tongue thrusting in Indian children is 16.12%. The highest prevalence is seen in the state of Rajasthan, and the lowest is seen in Maharashtra state.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Goel S, Mistry L, Jawdekar A. Prevalence of Tongue Thrusting in Indian Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(4):499-506.