Four Pillars of Myo: Correct Tongue Posture

The concept that my patients often struggle with the most is tongue posture. It's not something people typically think about or ask about, so it tends to go unnoticed. However, proper tongue posture is crucial. If your tongue isn’t positioned correctly, you may encounter dental issues or myofunctional problems.

Above is a cross-section of the upper airway showing the tongue fully resting against the palate. This is the correct tongue position, which helps keep the airway open and thus improves breathing. In myofunctional therapy, we focus on helping our patients—particularly those with sleep-related breathing disorders—maintain this positioning, even during sleep.

In children, tongue position can significantly influence the development of facial bones, the dental arch, and the airway. Consistent pressure from the tongue against the palate encourages a wider palate, which leads to a wider airway. Myofunctional therapy for young children can help eliminate harmful habits, such as tongue thrusting, improve breathing quality, and reduce the need for invasive orthodontic treatments later in life.

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Oral Care Center. (2023, January 9). What Is Proper Tongue Posture And Why Does It Matter?. Colgate.com. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/what-is-proper-tongue-posture-and-why-does-it-matter#

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Sutton, J. (2019, July 17). What You Need to Know About Proper Tongue Posture. Healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/tongue-posture