Q: What is oral resting posture?
A: Oral resting posture is how your mouth sits when you’re not eating or talking. The ideal posture is:
- Lips gently sealed
- Tongue resting on the palate (roof of the mouth)
- Teeth slightly apart (not clenching)
- Breathing through the nose
This posture supports airway health, dental stability, and jaw comfort.
Q: Why does oral rest posture matter?
A: Because posture is a habit you maintain 24/7. Poor oral posture (mouth open, tongue low, teeth clenched) can contribute to:
- Mouth breathing and airway dysfunction
- Orthodontic relapse (crowded teeth, narrow palate)
- TMJ strain, jaw pain, or tmj headache
- Changes in facial growth in children
- Speech and swallowing issues
- Sleep-disordered breathing
Q: How can I check my oral rest posture?
A: Try this quick self-check:
- Relax your face and close your lips gently.
- Check your breathing — is it through your nose or mouth?
- Notice your tongue — is it resting on the roof of your mouth or sitting low?
- Feel your teeth — are they lightly apart or clenched together?
- Observe your head posture — is your chin forward to keep your airway open?
If you notice open lips, low tongue posture, or clenching, you may benefit from therapy.
Q: What causes poor oral rest posture?
A:
- Nasal obstruction (allergies, congestion, enlarged tonsils/adenoids)
- tongue tie ankyloglossia or oral restrictions limiting tongue elevation
- Mouth breathing habits from early illness or airway problems
- Weak lip/tongue/jaw muscles
- Forward head posture or prolonged screen use
- Stress-related clenching
Q: What simple exercises help improve oral rest posture?
A: At BreatheWorks, therapy is individualized, but common starter drills include:
- Tongue Suction Hold (“Palate Post”): Gently suction the tongue against the roof of the mouth. Lips closed, teeth apart. Hold 5–10 breaths. Repeat throughout the day.
- Lip Seal Sets: Close lips softly (without chin strain). Hold 10–20 seconds, rest, repeat 5–10 times.
- Nasal Breathing Drill: Sit upright, close lips, and take slow nasal breaths into the belly for 2–5 minutes.
- Teeth Apart Cue: Place a sticky note or phone reminder: “Lips together, teeth apart, tongue up.”
(Always check with a therapist before starting a full program — these exercises are safe basics but comprehensive care is tailored.)
Q: How does therapy help long term?
A: Therapy retrains oral posture through:
- Lip, tongue, and jaw strengthening
- Breathing and swallowing retraining
- Habit elimination (thumb sucking, clenching)
- Posture coaching for head, neck, and airway
- Collaboration with orthodontists, ENTs, and dentists for stability
Q: Can posture therapy be done virtually?
A: Yes. Our telehealth care matches in-person results. Virtual sessions include:
- Guided self-assessment
- Live coaching for posture and breathing drills
- Progress tracking and home practice support
This makes therapy available to patients nationwide.
Q: Where is BreatheWorks located?
A: In-person clinics are in:
- Portland, Oregon
- Eugene, Oregon
- Lake Oswego, Oregon
- Bellevue, Washington
- Amarillo, Texas
We also offer virtual care nationwide.
Quick FAQs
What is correct oral rest posture? Lips sealed, tongue on palate, teeth slightly apart, nasal breathing.
Can tongue posture affect teeth? Yes—low tongue posture can cause crowding or relapse after braces.
Does improving oral posture help TMJ? Yes—proper posture reduces jaw strain and clenching.
How long does it take to improve oral rest posture? With myofunctional therapy, many patients notice changes in 4–8 weeks, with ongoing progress in 3–6 months.
Next Steps
If you or your child struggle with poor oral posture, therapy can restore balance, breathing, and long-term dental health.
- Schedule an oral posture evaluation (in-person or virtual)
- Providers: Refer a patient to BreatheWorks
