Skip to main content

The Power of Proper Tongue Posture 👅

Did you know your tongue has a home — and it’s the roof of your mouth?

Let's start with a self-check in --

Take a look at the photo to the right, and think about where your tongue is resting right now.


Are you most like A, B, C, or D?

A- the tip of your tongue is at the roof of your mouth, but the back and middle of the tongue are free hanging.

B- the tip, middle, and back of your tongue are gently suctioned up into the palate.

C- the tongue is free hanging in the mouth, not really resting on anything.

D- the tongue is low, resting on the floor of the mouth.

Now that you've thought about it, let's talk about

Why Tongue Posture Matters 👅

The way your tongue rests can impact way more than you think…

👎 A low resting tongue position can lead to:

  • Excess jaw tension as your muscles work overtime to support the joint.
  • It can also reduce your airway space, leading to mouth breathing and shallow breathing patterns. 😮‍💨
  • A low tongue posture is linked to clenching and grinding at night — your body trying to stabilize while you sleep. 😬
  • And yes — it can even apply pressure to your teeth, increasing the risk of orthodontic relapse. 🦷

The good news? 🧠✨

You can retrain your tongue posture with the right assessment and exercises.

✅ When your tongue rests fully on the palate:

  • It provides natural support and promotes healthy jaw and facial development.
  • This posture allows your lips to seal and creates a gentle suction that helps your cheeks support your jaw — effortlessly. 👄
  • It helps the muscles of the jaw and neck to relax, reducing unnecessary tension and strain. 💆‍♀️
  • It also encourages deep, nasal breathing, which is key for optimal rest, focus, and nervous system regulation. 🌬

Not sure where your tongue rests?
Let’s find out together during a TMJ assessment — and start working toward balance, breath, and better jaw function.

👅 #TMJThursdays | 💬 DM or book today
 #TonguePosture #TMJAwareness #JawHealth #FunctionalBreathing #ClaringtonRMT #RMTBowmanville
Alison Simic, RMT | Bowmanville, ON | Book at Soma Collective Health | Instagram | Facebook
Labels:
Location: Bowmanville, ON, Canada

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Prenatal massage … like regular massage, with more pillows!

Massage therapy can be safe and beneficial through all stages of pregnancy. As with any massage therapy treatment, we collect and review your health history information to make any necessary treatment modifications based on risk factors. Even most higher risk conditions can be accommodated while working closely with your perinatal health care provider. I use a selection of pillows, wedges, and bolsters to make laying on the table as comfortable as possible, and adjust for comfort as needed. When laying prone (face down, on your stomach) is no longer an option due to discomfort, these pillows make side-lying for treatment something that will make you wish you had the same setup at home! The Set Up: A rectangular bolster at the head of the table acts as an elevated pillow for your head to rest comfortably. A small gap before the angled wedge allows the shoulder room to pass through without being squished forward. The angled wedge supports the torso and rib cage, and creates a slight incl...
Post a Comment
Read more

About Me: Alison Simc, RMT

 About Me: Alison Simc, RMT Clarington RMT As an RMT, my goal is to create movement in the tissues with physical manipulation using a variety of techniques from Swedish and deep tissue variations, push & pull forces, gliding, sheering, compression, joint mobilizations, passive and active movement, and occasionally incorporate tools such as silicone cups to create a negative pressure in those stubborn areas. I have widespread interest in treating day-to-day soreness, posture, pre and post natal care, chronic injuries, and sudden, acute pain. “The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness” (Sakyong Mipham) is a quote that really resonates with me. This theory is applied throughout my massage therapy treatments. I strive to provide a therapeutic massage in a relaxing atmosphere. I believe that without a present but quiet mind, the body is limited in its ability to relax and absorb feedback. Your body does the healing, my job is to point it in the right dir...
Post a Comment
Read more

Taking care of yourself while doing yard work.

 As we transition into fall following the unofficial end of summer, we may find ourselves cleaning up outside to prep for the cooler months.  With this hard work, risk for muscle strain or injury is higher. Here are some tips to help keep you in good working order: Don’t move too much at one time: lift only what you are comfortable carrying, and make more trips – good for the cardio this way too! Bend at the knees, and use the strength of your legs for power when lifting heavy bags of mulch or soil. Try to bend your elbows and recruit strength from your arms to avoid strain through the upper back and shoulders. Don’t get stuck doing one repetitive motion for too long: It’s easy to get caught raking or digging in the same twisted motion for a long period—change it up with other tasks to avoid stiffness. Plan some time to take care of your body at the end of a long day: take a few minutes to stretch, or relax in a hot bath. Stay hydrated. Protect yourself from the sun. Bowmanvi...
Post a Comment
Read more