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The Link Between Tongue Posture and Jaw Development in Kids
June 13, 2025
The Link Between Tongue Posture and Jaw Development in Kids
Key Takeaways
- The way a child's tongue rests in the mouth is foundational to oral development, directly influencing jaw alignment, facial growth, speech, and breathing.
- With proper tongue posture, the entire tongue rests gently against the roof of the mouth (palate) with the tip behind the upper front teeth, the mouth stays closed, and breathing happens through the nose.
- When the tongue rests low instead of pressing against the palate, the upper jaw can fail to expand properly, leading to a narrow palate, crowded teeth, crossbites, and other orthodontic issues.
- Prolonged poor tongue posture can contribute to a longer, narrower face, recessed jawlines, flat cheeks, open bite, and increased risk of snoring, sleep apnea, and speech delays.
- Early awareness and correction, with support from dental and therapy professionals, can prevent long-term orthodontic and speech issues and may reduce or eliminate the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later.
Tongue posture might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about your child’s oral development—but it’s foundational. The way your child’s tongue rests in their mouth can directly impact jaw alignment, facial growth, speech, and breathing.
In this article, we’ll explore how tongue posture affects jaw development, signs of improper habits, and how parents can support optimal oral growth in children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct resting position for my child's tongue?
The tongue should rest fully against the roof of the mouth, with the tip near (not touching) the upper front teeth, while the lips stay closed and breathing happens through the nose.
What are the signs that my child has improper tongue posture?
Signs include the tongue resting at the bottom of the mouth, chronic mouth breathing, an open-mouth posture during rest, visible strain while swallowing or chewing, and a lisp or difficulty with "s," "t," "l," or "th" sounds.
Can tongue posture really affect my child's facial appearance?
Yes. Poor posture can lead to a longer, narrower face along with flatter cheeks, a recessed chin, and crowded teeth, all due to improper jaw growth.
How can I support proper tongue posture at home?
You can model keeping the lips closed, breathing through the nose, and resting the tongue on the palate at all times except while eating or talking. Encouraging nasal breathing helps too, since mouth breathing often results from allergies, enlarged tonsils, or chronic congestion.
Does every child need myofunctional therapy?
Not necessarily. It is recommended for children showing signs of poor tongue posture, speech delays, swallowing issues, or chronic mouth breathing, where a myofunctional therapist can help retrain tongue muscles, improve swallowing patterns, and encourage nasal breathing.
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