Tongue posture refers to the overall placement and movement of the tongue when children chew, swallow, and speak. The tongue is the most powerful oral muscle, affecting breathing, swallowing, speech patterns, jaw alignment, and even facial structure. As children develop their speaking and eating skills, ideally the tongue learns to move effectively to gradually hone these skills.
However, proper tongue posture does not always develop naturally. In these cases children need some assistance to learn how to move their tongue in the right way. Orofacial myofunctional therapy can help children develop proper tongue posture through therapist-guided exercises and self-guided practice.
Learn more about tongue posture and myofunctional therapy from the experts and Marvel Myo and Speech.
What Is Proper Tongue Posture?
Proper tongue posture refers to the natural resting position of the tongue inside the mouth. Ideally, the tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth with the lips closed and the teeth slightly apart. This position helps support balanced muscle function throughout the face and jaw.
When the tongue rests low in the mouth or pushes against the teeth, it can create imbalances in facial development over time. Children with poor tongue posture may also breathe through their mouths rather than their noses. Mouth breathing often changes the way facial muscles develop and may contribute to long-term concerns involving the jaw, airway, and dental alignment.
Healthy tongue posture begins early in life. Feeding habits, thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, allergies, enlarged tonsils, tongue ties, and chronic mouth breathing can all affect how the tongue functions. Because facial bones and muscles are still developing during childhood, these patterns can shape the structure of the face as a child grows.
How Poor Tongue Posture Can Affect Facial Development
The tongue is a powerful muscle that applies constant pressure to the oral tissues. It pushes against the teeth and the roof of the mouth. When in the proper position, it helps the upper palate widen as the child grows. When it doesn’t, the upper jaw can develop narrowly, leading to misalignment of the teeth and bite as well as abnormal facial structure.
Improper tongue posture can also cause the tongue to push against the teeth, resulting in an overbite, underbite, or open bite. Mouth breathing is another side effect of improper tongue posture, which can have a negative effect on sleep quality and facial development.
As children learn to speak, improper tongue posture can result in speech delays and mispronunciation of phonetic sounds and words.
Signs Parents Should Watch For
It is not always obvious if your child has improper tongue posture. But there are some telltale signs that indicate a potential concern:
- Chronic mouth breathing. Does your child breathe primarily through their mouth when awake, asleep, or both?
- Open-mouth posture. Does your child’s mouth sit partially open throughout the day, whether at play or at rest?
- Snoring or restless sleep. Does your child snore or wake frequently at night?
- Speech difficulties or lisping. Do you notice speech issues such as a lisp or mispronunciation of certain letters or sounds?
- Thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use. Does your child still suck their thumb or use a pacifier past the age of 2?
- Crowded teeth or orthodontic concerns. Are your child’s teeth crowded together or overlapping? Do their upper and lower teeth meet together properly when they bite down?
- Gagging or choking frequently when eating. Does your child often gag or choke on their food, or seem to have difficulty chewing or swallowing?
If you notice these or other unusual oral symptoms, schedule a professional evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment leads to better outcomes and shorter duration of therapy in most cases.
How Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Can Help
Children with poor tongue posture often benefit from targeted exercises and therapy designed to retrain oral muscle patterns. Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on improving the function and coordination of the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw.
Therapy typically consists of guided exercises that help children retrain their tongue to move and sit in the proper position when eating, speaking, or at rest. At Marvel Myo and Speech, we provide online therapy sessions that allow children to get the assistance they need at home. Our trained, experienced therapists provide customized therapy during live video sessions as well as resources for self-guided practice daily between sessions.
Schedule an Online Consultation
If your child shows signs of improper tongue posture, schedule an online consultation with the experts at Marvel Myo and Speech. During your consultation we will conduct a brief assessment to form a diagnosis and customized treatment plan. If appropriate, therapy sessions can begin when it is convenient for you and your child. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
What causes poor tongue posture in children?
Poor tongue posture can result from several factors, including tongue ties, chronic mouth breathing, allergies, enlarged tonsils, thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or improper swallowing habits. These issues may affect how the tongue naturally rests and functions over time.
Can poor tongue posture affect my child’s teeth?
Yes. Improper tongue posture can contribute to crowded teeth, bite issues, narrow dental arches, and orthodontic relapse. The tongue applies constant pressure inside the mouth, which influences how the jaws and teeth develop during childhood.
At what age should a child be evaluated for tongue posture issues?
Children can be evaluated as early as signs of mouth breathing, speech concerns, or oral habits become noticeable. Early intervention is often beneficial because facial structures are still developing and more adaptable during childhood.
Is mouth breathing always related to tongue posture?
Mouth breathing and tongue posture are often connected, but other factors may also contribute, including airway obstruction, allergies, or enlarged tonsils. A comprehensive evaluation can help identify the underlying cause.
How long does orofacial myofunctional therapy take?
Treatment length varies depending on the child’s age, habits, and specific needs. Some children may see progress within a few months, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy and collaboration with additional healthcare providers.
At Marvel Myo and Speech, we are passionate about helping children build healthy oral habits that support proper breathing, speech, and facial development. Our personalized approach focuses on identifying the root causes of oral dysfunction and guiding families through effective treatment options. We are committed to helping every child thrive through compassionate, individualized care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
