We often think about our neck, shoulders, and back while discussing posture. But did you know that tongue posture plays a huge role in your overall health, face shape, and breathing? Let’s explore the importance of correct tongue posture, how you can achieve it, and its effects on your face and health.
What Is Proper Tongue Posture?
You should position your tongue correctly in your mouth when you’re not speaking or eating. This is known as proper tongue posture. Instead of resting on the bottom of your teeth, the tongue should ideally rest gently against the roof of your mouth.
This position helps support your facial muscles, jaw, and overall health. It’s also closely linked to proper breathing and speech development.
What Causes Poor Tongue Posture?
Poor tongue position can result from many reasons, such as:
- Mouth Breathing: Because the tongue resides at the bottom of the mouth, those who breathe through their mouths frequently have bad tongue posture.
- Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use: Childhood habits like thumb sucking can influence tongue position.
- Postural Issues: Bad posture can also affect tongue positioning, especially if the neck or shoulders are out of alignment.
- Genetics: Poor tongue position may result from certain people’s naturally sunken jaw.
Read More: 7 Steps to Test Tongue Tie
What Happens if You Have Poor Tongue Posture?
Poor tongue posture, like resting your tongue at the bottom of your mouth or pushing it against your teeth, can cause several problems, including:
- Mouth Breathing: This can raise your risk of dental cavities and cause dry mouth and foul breath.
- Overbite or Underbite: Over time, improper tongue posture can cause bite issues by affecting the alignment of your teeth.
- Jaw Pain: Incorrect posture can lead to tension in the jaw muscles, causing discomfort or even TMJ.
- Facial Changes: Over time, poor tongue posture may contribute to a more recessed or underdeveloped jawline, and it may affect the symmetry of your face.
Why Is Correct Tongue Posture Important?
It is important for four main reasons listed below:
Breathing
Proper tongue posture can help with nasal breathing. When the tongue is in the right place, it encourages the air to flow through your nose instead of your mouth, which is healthier for your lungs and overall health.
Speech
Tongue posture also plays a role in how you form words. With the tongue in the right position, speech can be clearer and more fluid.
Facial Structure
Consistent good tongue posture helps guide your jaw and facial muscles into the right position, potentially improving your appearance over time. This is especially true with mewing.
Jaw Health
Proper tongue posture helps your jawline stay strong and aligned, reducing the risk of jaw pain or disorders like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
How to Achieve Correct Tongue Posture?
Achieving the right tongue posture may take a little practice, but it’s not difficult. Here’s how to do it:
- Just behind your top teeth, where your gums and the roof of your mouth meet, place the tip of your tongue.
- Your entire tongue should be flat and relaxed, with the rear and center portions barely pressing on the roof of your mouth.
- Make sure your teeth are lightly, without force, touching when you close your lips.
- Throughout the day, especially when you’re not talking or eating, try to maintain this tongue posture.
What Is Mewing?
Mewing is a specific technique for achieving proper tongue posture. It was developed by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist, and it focuses on keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth to help reshape the face and jaw over time.
Mewing aims to improve facial structure by encouraging the bones and muscles to align properly.
- As previously mentioned, mewing involves keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
- Ensure your mouth is closed, your teeth are lightly together, and your lips are sealed.
- Practice this posture consistently throughout the day, including when you sleep (if possible).
Read More: How Myofascial Therapy is Effective for Tongue Tie Release?
Tongue Posture Exercises
To help you with your tongue posture, try these exercises:
The Tongue Push
Put your tongue tip directly below your top teeth on the roof of your mouth. After 5–10 seconds of light pressure, let go. Do this workout ten times per day.
The Tongue Stretch
Hold your tongue out as long as you can for five to ten seconds. After then, slowly raise your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Maintain this posture for a further 5–10 seconds. Five times, repeat.
The Cheek Resistance
Press your finger softly against your cheek while placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Try using your tongue to hold it against the pressure for a few seconds. Repeat after switching sides.
What Are the Benefits of Correct Tongue Posture?
A correct posture gives you health and aesthetic benefits, such as:
Improved Facial Appearance
By practicing good tongue posture, especially with mewing, you can enhance your jawline and facial symmetry.
Better Breathing
Correct tongue posture encourages nasal breathing, which is better for your lungs and overall health.
Stronger Jaw
Keeping your tongue in the right place helps keep your jaw aligned and strong and reduces jaw pain and discomfort.
Healthier Teeth and Gums
Maintaining proper tongue posture lowers the chance of mouth breathing, which can lead to tooth decay, dry mouth, and foul breath.
Improved Speech
With the tongue in the right position, speech is clearer, and articulation becomes easier.
Final Thoughts!
Achieving proper tongue posture is about promoting better health, improving breathing, and supporting a strong, symmetrical face.
Ready to give it a try? Start practicing proper tongue posture today and notice how it can improve your health, smile, and overall appearance!
If you are dealing with issues related to tongue tie or need professional help with improving your tongue posture, visit Tongue Tie Phoenix for expert help.
People Also Ask
How much time does it take to adjust the posture of the tongue?
It can take a few weeks to a few months to start seeing improvements in tongue posture, but reshaping your jaw with techniques like mewing can take longer.
What causes poor tongue posture?
Mouth breathing, thumb sucking, postural issues, and genetics can all contribute to poor tongue posture.
How should one hold their tongue in their mouth?
The proper way to hold your tongue is with the tip behind your upper teeth, and the rest of the tongue should press gently against the roof of your mouth.
