What Your Child's Tongue Posture Has to Do With Their Bite
Most parents think about brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits when it comes to their child's oral health. Tongue posture is probably not on the radar. But where your child rests their tongue throughout the day can have a real impact on how their teeth and jaw develop over time.
What Is Tongue Posture?
Tongue posture refers to where the tongue sits naturally when the mouth is at rest and not eating, talking, or swallowing. Ideally, the tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth. This position supports proper jaw development and helps the upper arch form correctly as a child grows.
When the tongue rests low in the mouth or pushes against the teeth instead, it is known as improper tongue posture. Over time, that constant pressure can influence the way teeth come in and how the jaw develops.
What Happens When Tongue Posture Is Off?
The tongue is a surprisingly powerful muscle. It exerts pressure on the teeth and surrounding structures for hours every day. When that pressure is consistently applied in the wrong direction, it can contribute to a range of orthodontic issues including:
Open bite. When the tongue rests or pushes forward against the front teeth, it can prevent them from coming together properly. This creates a gap between the upper and lower front teeth even when the mouth is closed.
Narrow upper arch. Low tongue posture means the roof of the mouth is not getting the gentle upward pressure it needs during development. This can lead to a narrower upper arch, which often results in crowding and alignment issues.
Protruding front teeth. Consistent forward tongue pressure can gradually push the upper front teeth outward, affecting both the appearance and function of the bite.
What Is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust is a specific pattern where the tongue pushes forward and presses against or between the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or at rest. It is common in younger children and often resolves on its own. When it persists, it can work against orthodontic treatment and even shift teeth after treatment is complete.
If your child has an open bite or protruding front teeth, tongue thrust may be a contributing factor worth discussing with an orthodontist.
Can It Be Corrected?
Yes. Tongue posture and tongue thrust can often be addressed through a combination of orthodontic treatment and myofunctional therapy, which involves exercises that retrain the tongue and surrounding muscles to function correctly. In some cases, an orthodontic appliance may also be used to help guide proper tongue position during treatment.
The earlier these patterns are identified, the easier they are to address. That is one of the reasons early orthodontic evaluations are so valuable, even when a child's teeth look relatively straight.
What to Watch for in Your Child
A few signs that tongue posture may be something to bring up at your next orthodontic visit include mouth breathing at rest, a gap between the upper and lower front teeth, frequent lisping or speech difficulties, and teeth that seem to be shifting or spacing out over time.
These signs do not automatically mean there is a problem, but they are worth mentioning so your orthodontist can take a closer look.
At Shine Ortho Studio in Napoleon, OH, we look at the full picture of your child's oral development, not just their teeth. If you have questions about your child's bite or jaw development, we would love to help.