Why tongue resting posture is important?

The tongue is a powerful muscle that plays an important role in various functions such as speaking, swallowing, and even breathing. However, many people may not be aware that the position of the tongue inside the mouth can have a significant impact on overall oral health. In fact, improper tongue placement can lead to a range of problems, including speech difficulties, dental problems, and even sleep apnea.

So, where should the tongue properly rest inside your mouth? The proper resting position for the tongue is with the tip of the tongue resting gently behind the upper front teeth and the back of the tongue resting against the roof of the mouth. This position is known as the “palatal tongue position” or “top-of-the-mouth” position.

When the tongue is in this position, it helps to support the upper jaw and maintain a proper bite alignment. This position also allows for efficient breathing through the nose, which can help reduce the risk of snoring and sleep apnea. Additionally, the tongue in this position can help stimulate saliva production, which is important for maintaining good oral health.

On the other hand, improper tongue placement, such as resting the tongue against the bottom teeth or allowing it to fall back into the throat, can cause a range of problems. For example, resting the tongue against the bottom teeth can lead to dental problems such as tooth wear, gum recession, and malocclusion. Allowing the tongue to fall back into the throat can obstruct the airway, leading to snoring and sleep apnea.

In conclusion, proper tongue placement is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing a range of problems such as speech difficulties, dental problems, and sleep apnea. By practicing the proper resting position of the tongue, you can improve your overall oral health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know does not rest their tongue properly or breathe through their nose, then further evaluation may be warranted. You can start with a myofunctional therapy who can evaluate how you are using your tongue and the other structures of your mouth to determine if therapy is warranted. The Spot Pal tongue training appliance can help support training the tongue and other facial structures to rest correctly.