bosskingemmy
Iron
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Hey everyone,
I’ve been researching proper tongue posture (sometimes called “mewing”) and wanted to share some science-backed insights. This isn't just internet lore—there’s evidence that how your tongue rests in your mouth affects facial development, dental health and even breathing.
What is optimal tongue posture?
– The tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth (palate) with the tip just behind the upper front teeth and the entire upper surface making light contact.
– Low tongue posture means the tongue sits on the floor of the mouth or pushes against the teeth.
Why it matters for facial development
During childhood and adolescence, the face and jaws are still growing. The tongue acts like a natural support that guides the upper jaw forward and outward. When the tongue rests on the palate it encourages a wide, forward-growing upper jaw and creates space for teeth to erupt straight. This helps form a balanced profile and reduces the risk of dental crowding or bite problems. Conversely, when the tongue rests low or between the teeth it can contribute to a narrow or vaulted palate, crowded teeth and a long or recessed lower face. Low tongue posture also narrows the airway and is linked with mouth breathing, snoring and even obstructive sleep apnea.
Clinical research supports this. One study noted that malocclusion is reduced when the mouth is closed, while malocclusion is more common when the tongue is away from the palate, especially in open-bite or Class III cases. Another study of preschool children found that resting tongue posture is one of the most important long-acting forces in the mouth and that incorrect posture is a primary factor in developing malocclusion and articulation disorders. A 2020 review in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation reported that low tongue posture is associated with reduced airway volume and a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
Age differences
Because bones are still growing in children and teens, proper tongue posture can actually influence skeletal development. Orthodontists practicing early intervention pay attention to tongue posture, mouth breathing and thumb sucking because they can affect palate width and jaw alignment. Teaching kids to rest their tongue on the palate and breathe through the nose helps promote a wider palate and straighter teeth. Adults shouldn’t expect to drastically reshape their bones, but improving tongue posture still has benefits. For adults, mewing can help strengthen tongue muscles, promote nasal breathing, reduce habits that cause misalignment and support any orthodontic work.
Set expectations
While proper tongue posture is important for oral health and can subtly influence facial aesthetics, it’s not a magic hack. Scientific evidence is still limited and inconsistent. Some people report improved facial symmetry and breathing, but results vary widely and depend on age, genetics and consistency. Overdoing it or using incorrect technique could contribute to other issues like open bites or jaw strain. Always consult a qualified dentist or orthodontist, especially for children, before starting any exercises.
Hope this helps! Have any of you tried working on tongue posture? What have you noticed?
I’ve been researching proper tongue posture (sometimes called “mewing”) and wanted to share some science-backed insights. This isn't just internet lore—there’s evidence that how your tongue rests in your mouth affects facial development, dental health and even breathing.
What is optimal tongue posture?
– The tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth (palate) with the tip just behind the upper front teeth and the entire upper surface making light contact.
– Low tongue posture means the tongue sits on the floor of the mouth or pushes against the teeth.
Why it matters for facial development
During childhood and adolescence, the face and jaws are still growing. The tongue acts like a natural support that guides the upper jaw forward and outward. When the tongue rests on the palate it encourages a wide, forward-growing upper jaw and creates space for teeth to erupt straight. This helps form a balanced profile and reduces the risk of dental crowding or bite problems. Conversely, when the tongue rests low or between the teeth it can contribute to a narrow or vaulted palate, crowded teeth and a long or recessed lower face. Low tongue posture also narrows the airway and is linked with mouth breathing, snoring and even obstructive sleep apnea.
Clinical research supports this. One study noted that malocclusion is reduced when the mouth is closed, while malocclusion is more common when the tongue is away from the palate, especially in open-bite or Class III cases. Another study of preschool children found that resting tongue posture is one of the most important long-acting forces in the mouth and that incorrect posture is a primary factor in developing malocclusion and articulation disorders. A 2020 review in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation reported that low tongue posture is associated with reduced airway volume and a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
Age differences
Because bones are still growing in children and teens, proper tongue posture can actually influence skeletal development. Orthodontists practicing early intervention pay attention to tongue posture, mouth breathing and thumb sucking because they can affect palate width and jaw alignment. Teaching kids to rest their tongue on the palate and breathe through the nose helps promote a wider palate and straighter teeth. Adults shouldn’t expect to drastically reshape their bones, but improving tongue posture still has benefits. For adults, mewing can help strengthen tongue muscles, promote nasal breathing, reduce habits that cause misalignment and support any orthodontic work.
Set expectations
While proper tongue posture is important for oral health and can subtly influence facial aesthetics, it’s not a magic hack. Scientific evidence is still limited and inconsistent. Some people report improved facial symmetry and breathing, but results vary widely and depend on age, genetics and consistency. Overdoing it or using incorrect technique could contribute to other issues like open bites or jaw strain. Always consult a qualified dentist or orthodontist, especially for children, before starting any exercises.
Hope this helps! Have any of you tried working on tongue posture? What have you noticed?
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