The first step to mewing is putting your tongue up against your palate. But how far back should it be in your mouth?
In this article, we look into how far back your tongue should rest, the importance of proper tongue positioning, and how to correct bad tongue habits. Let’s dive in.
You should rest your tongue as far back as possible without discomfort. This will allow you to target the entire palate, which will slowly change the face. Only prioritizing a specific part of your palate will lead to little results.
Proper Tongue Positioning
Tongue positioning, also known as tongue posture, refers to the resting position of our tongues when we’re not actively using them for speaking, eating, or swallowing.
While it may seem trivial, proper tongue positioning plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health and preventing various health problems.
Why Does Tongue Positioning Matter?
The tongue is a powerful muscle that influences several areas of our body, including our mouth, eyes, nose, head, neck, and shoulders. As a result, improper tongue positioning can lead to a myriad of issues, such as:
- Sleep apnea
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Vision problems
- Poor body posture
- Tooth damage
Where Should Your Tongue Rest?
The correct position for your tongue is with the entire tongue, including the tip, middle, and posterior sections, resting on the palate (roof of the mouth).
Your lips should be closed, and you should breathe through your nose 95-100% of the time.
Your tongue should also not touch the front teeth; instead, rest behind them.
This position promotes healthy oral and overall health by ensuring that your tongue is not putting undue pressure on your teeth or jaw.
Your tongue should be far back enough to sit comfortably across your entire tongue, but it shouldn’t go back far enough to where you feel like gagging or discomfort.
Do I Have Bad Tongue Posture?
Most people have bad tongue posture without even knowing.
Here are signs that you have bad tongue posture:
- Your tongue is never on the roof of your mouth
- You find yourself mouth breathing throughout the day
- You aren’t putting effort in mewing
- Your lower jaw is hanging open
If you check any of the boxes I just mentioned, then you have bad tongue posture.
How A Tongue-Tie Affects Tongue Posture
Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the lingual frenulum (the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too short or tight, restricting the tongue’s mobility.
This restriction can make maintaining correct tongue posture very difficult or impossible.
The good news is that most people with tongue ties won’t have much trouble with tongue posture. Only severe tongue ties will restrict you from putting your tongue onto your palate.
Before considering a tongue-tie release (frenectomy) for older children or adults, working with a myofunctional therapist and performing exercises to improve tongue positioning and mobility is essential.
Unfortunately, the only way to altogether remove tongue ties is through surgery. However, you can do exercises that will lessen the effects.
Combining therapy with a tongue-tie release often yields better results than just the surgical procedure alone.
Summary
In conclusion, proper tongue positioning is essential for maintaining good oral and overall health. By ensuring that your tongue rests on your palate, you can prevent various health issues and enjoy better sleep, breathing, and posture.
If you have concerns about your tongue positioning or tie, don’t hesitate to consult a dental professional or myofunctional therapist for guidance and treatment. Remember, it’s never too late to improve your tongue posture and reap the benefits of better oral health and overall well-being.