Have you ever thought about where your tongue rests in your mouth? Most people haven’t—but the position of your tongue plays a major role in shaping your face, supporting healthy breathing, and even preventing future health problems. At BreatheWorks, we help patients and families understand why tongue posture matters—and how small changes can lead to big benefits.
What Is Tongue Posture?
Tongue posture refers to the resting position of the tongue inside the mouth when you’re not eating, speaking, or swallowing.
- Optimal tongue posture: The tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth (the palate), with the tip just behind the upper front teeth and the whole upper surface making light contact.
- Low tongue posture: The tongue sits on the floor of the mouth, off the palate, or pushes forward against the teeth.
Why Does Tongue Posture Matter for Facial Growth?
During childhood and adolescence, the face and jaws are rapidly developing. The tongue acts as a natural support, guiding the growth of the upper jaw and palate outward and forward.
When the tongue is on the palate:
- It encourages the upper jaw to grow wide and forward.
- Creates space for teeth to erupt straight, reducing risk of dental crowding and bite problems.
- Helps shape a balanced, harmonious facial profile.
When the tongue is low or forward:
- The upper jaw may grow too narrow or high, leading to a vaulted palate and crowded teeth.
- The lower face may become long and the chin receded (“long face syndrome”).
- Cheeks can appear flatter, and dark circles may appear under the eyes.
- Airway space is reduced, raising the risk for breathing issues.
Clinical evidence:
- Research shows that children with proper tongue posture have lower rates of orthodontic problems, healthier jaw development, and reduced risk for airway obstruction (Mew, 2015).
- Low tongue posture is a major contributor to mouth breathing, which in turn disrupts facial growth and increases the risk of sleep-disordered breathing.
The Connection to Airway Health
Your airway and tongue posture are deeply connected:
- When the tongue rests on the palate, it supports a wide, stable upper jaw and keeps the nasal airway open.
- A low tongue posture narrows the palate, reducing space for nasal breathing and increasing the risk of mouth breathing, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- A narrow palate can also block airflow and contribute to allergies, chronic nasal congestion, and restless sleep.
Data highlight:
A 2020 review in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that low tongue posture was associated with reduced airway volume, greater risk for OSA, and poorer sleep quality in both children and adults (Camacho et al., 2020).
Signs of Poor Tongue Posture
- Mouth frequently open at rest or while sleeping
- Visible tongue between or pushing against teeth
- Narrow or crowded dental arches
- Speech issues, including lisps
- Chronic nasal congestion or mouth breathing
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Facial features such as a long face, receded chin, or flattened cheeks
Why Early Intervention Is Key
Addressing tongue posture early in childhood has a profound effect on facial development, dental alignment, and airway health. But it’s never too late—adults can also benefit from therapy and exercises that retrain tongue position and function.
How BreatheWorks Can Help
At BreatheWorks, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based care for tongue posture and its impact on facial growth and airway health:
- Thorough evaluation of tongue posture, jaw development, and airway function
- Myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue position, strengthen oral muscles, and restore healthy breathing habits
- Collaboration with orthodontists, ENTs, and other specialists for integrated care
- Education and support for families to reinforce healthy habits at home
Tongue Posture: Small Changes, Big Impact
Paying attention to tongue posture can make a real difference—not just for facial growth, but for breathing, sleep, and long-term health.
If you notice signs like mouth breathing, dental crowding, or frequent sleep disruptions, know that these patterns are common and often manageable. Learning more about tongue posture and its role in airway health is a powerful first step toward supporting lifelong wellness.
