The Tongue: A Natural Palatal Expander
How Resting Tongue Posture Affects Growth and Development
Do you know where your tongue sits at rest?
Most people don’t ever think about their tongue; where it sits, how it affects growth, development, breathing and sleep. As a myofunctional therapist, finding out where the tongue rests is a priority, because we know where the tongue spends most of its time matters!
Our body’s growth and development is based on the input it receives. Just as optimal nutrition is essential for proper growth, so is mechanical input. The tongue is composed of 8 different muscles, is one of the most flexible groups of muscles in the body, and can exert a lot of force. If a child’s tongue rests lightly suctioned in the roof of their mouth they will likely develop a nice, wide, u-shaped arch. The tongue puts gentle consistent pressure against the palate and the insides of the upper teeth; it acts as a natural palatal expander! When the upper jaw grows forward and out the lower jaw follows, this allows the child to grow to their optimal genetic potential.
Children who have a tongue tie or whose tongue is weak and rests low in their mouth often develop a high, narrow, v-shaped arch, due to the lack of force being applied in the palate and to the insides of the upper teeth. The muscles of the cheeks and lips gently apply force to the outsides of the teeth which, if not balanced by the tongue, will keep the upper jaw from developing as wide and forward as it should. The lower jaw then cannot grow to its full potential, this is when we see long narrow facial profiles as the jaws grow down and back instead of forward and out.
The palate (roof of the mouth) is also the floor of the sinus, so when the palate does not develop to its full potential the size of the sinus cavity and the airway behind the jaws are often smaller than they should be. This lack of space can compromise breathing and sleep. These individuals may also have or develop a mouth breathing habit. You can’t keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth and breathe through your mouth at the same time. This is why nasal breathing (and the high tongue posture needed for nasal breathing) are so important for optimal growth and development.
If you notice an open mouth posture, mouth breathing, or if you see the tongue pushing on or between the teeth, consult with a myofunctional therapist. If we can correct the tongue’s posture we can optimize growth and development.