Proper tongue posture means resting your tongue gently against the roof of your mouth (not against your teeth) when it’s not being used for talking, chewing, or swallowing, and this seemingly minor habit is thought to play a role in dental alignment, breathing patterns, and even facial development, particularly in children. This guide covers what proper tongue posture is and why it may matter.
This is general information, not medical advice.
What proper tongue posture actually looks like
The generally described “correct” resting tongue position involves the tongue’s tip resting gently against the roof of the mouth just behind the front teeth (not pressing against the teeth themselves), with the middle and back of the tongue also lightly suctioned up against the palate, lips gently closed, and teeth slightly apart (not clenched), with breathing occurring through the nose rather than the mouth.
Why tongue posture is thought to matter
Dental and jaw alignment. The tongue exerts a small but consistent amount of pressure against the roof of the mouth throughout the day; proponents of proper tongue posture, including some orthodontic and myofunctional therapy practitioners, suggest this gentle pressure plays a role in supporting proper dental arch development and alignment, particularly during childhood growth, while a tongue that rests low in the mouth or pushes against the teeth may contribute to certain alignment issues over time.
Mouth breathing versus nasal breathing. Poor tongue posture is often associated with habitual mouth breathing, since a low tongue position can be both a cause and effect of breathing through the mouth rather than the nose. Nasal breathing is generally considered preferable for several reasons, including better air filtration and humidification, and some research has linked chronic mouth breathing, particularly in children, with potential effects on facial and dental development over time.
Facial development in children. This is an area of ongoing interest in pediatric dentistry and myofunctional therapy specifically: some practitioners and researchers suggest that tongue posture during childhood growth may influence the shape and development of the palate and jaw, though this remains an area where more rigorous, large-scale research would strengthen the current understanding.
Signs of poor tongue posture
- Habitual mouth breathing, especially noticeable during sleep (which can also relate to snoring or, in more significant cases, sleep-disordered breathing)
- A tongue that rests low in the mouth or presses forward against the teeth (sometimes called a “tongue thrust” pattern)
- Difficulty keeping the mouth closed at rest
How tongue posture is addressed
Myofunctional therapy. A specific type of therapy, sometimes provided by a specially trained speech-language pathologist, dentist, or orthodontist, focused on retraining tongue and orofacial muscle patterns, including resting tongue posture, swallowing pattern, and breathing habits.
Orthodontic evaluation. Since tongue posture and dental alignment are related, an orthodontist can assess whether tongue habits are contributing to a specific alignment concern as part of a broader treatment plan.
Addressing underlying causes of mouth breathing, such as evaluating for enlarged tonsils/adenoids, nasal obstruction, or allergies that might be making nasal breathing difficult, since correcting the underlying reason for mouth breathing can support better tongue posture more naturally.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct resting position for the tongue?
Generally described as the tongue tip resting gently against the roof of the mouth just behind the front teeth, with the tongue lightly suctioned to the palate, lips closed, teeth slightly apart, and breathing through the nose.
Can poor tongue posture affect my teeth?
Some orthodontic and myofunctional therapy perspectives suggest tongue posture may influence dental arch development and alignment over time, particularly during childhood growth, though this remains an area of ongoing study rather than a fully settled, universally agreed-upon mechanism.
What is myofunctional therapy?
A specific therapy approach, sometimes involving a speech-language pathologist, dentist, or orthodontist, aimed at retraining tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and breathing habits.
Is mouth breathing bad for you?
Nasal breathing is generally considered preferable for air filtration and humidification benefits; chronic mouth breathing, particularly in children, has been studied for potential associations with facial and dental development effects over time.
How do I know if my tongue posture needs improvement?
Signs include habitual mouth breathing (especially during sleep), a tongue that rests low or pushes against the teeth, or difficulty keeping the mouth comfortably closed at rest; a dentist, orthodontist, or myofunctional therapist can properly evaluate this.
References
- General references on myofunctional therapy, orofacial habits, and pediatric dental/orthodontic development; consult a dentist, orthodontist, or myofunctional therapist for individualized evaluation of tongue posture concerns.
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