The idea that changing the resting position of the tongue could sculpt the face has gained immense popularity online, sparking curiosity about facial aesthetics and structure. This concept centers on the belief that the tongue, a powerful muscular hydrostat, exerts a continuous influence on the bones of the face and skull. While the potential for such influence is widely discussed, the actual extent and nature of these effects—particularly in adults—remain a complex subject of scientific inquiry.
Defining Ideal Resting Posture
The optimal resting position involves the entire body of the tongue resting gently against the roof of the mouth, or palate. This posture requires a light suction hold, where the tongue softly adheres to the palate from front to back, creating an arch-like shape. The tip should sit just behind the upper front teeth, resting on the small bumpy area known as the incisive papilla or rugae, without pushing against the teeth themselves. Maintaining this full contact encourages the lips to remain closed and facilitates nasal breathing. Correct resting posture is considered the foundation for healthy breathing, swallowing, and functional jaw mechanics.
The Skeletal and Muscular Mechanism
The mechanism linking tongue posture to facial shape is based on the principle that bone responds to persistent, gentle pressure. Continuous contact with the palate exerts an outward and upward force, hypothesized to stimulate the widening of the maxilla, or upper jaw. This support helps create a broad palate, providing adequate space for the teeth and contributing to a forward-growing facial profile. Conversely, a low-resting tongue removes this internal support, allowing cheeks to exert unopposed inward pressure on the dental arches. This imbalance is associated with a narrow, high-arched palate and crowded teeth, contributing to a longer, downward facial growth pattern.
Scientific Consensus on Facial Alteration
The scientific consensus regarding facial alteration differs significantly between children and adults due to skeletal maturation. During childhood and adolescence, facial bones are highly plastic, adapting to functional forces. In these formative years, proper tongue posture is recognized as a factor for optimal craniofacial development, supporting a wider upper jaw and reducing the likelihood of bite problems (malocclusions). For adults, the major facial growth plates have fused, and the skeletal structure is largely set. While bone remodeling suggests that bone tissue is constantly being broken down and rebuilt, the forces required to produce significant, visible changes in adult skeletal structure are generally considered beyond the capabilities of voluntary tongue pressure. The primary benefit of correcting tongue posture in adulthood is functional, focusing on improving nasal breathing, reducing strain on the jaw joint, and preventing dental relapse after orthodontic treatment. While the tongue’s influence on the teeth and alveolar bone persists in adulthood, evidence for a major, non-surgical restructuring of the entire facial skeleton is limited and anecdotal. Correcting a low tongue posture, however, can still contribute to better alignment of the teeth and overall oral health.
Practical Steps for Establishing Posture
Establishing a correct resting tongue posture is a process of building muscle memory and requires consistent daily effort.
Finding the Correct Spot
A simple technique to find the correct spot is to make a “click” sound, noting where the tongue makes contact with the palate just before the sound is finished. This point, slightly behind the front teeth, is the target for the tip of the tongue when at rest.
Training Techniques
The most effective method for training is the “swallow and hold” technique: swallow naturally, and then try to maintain the tongue’s elevated position against the palate after the swallow is complete. The goal is to engage the entire tongue, especially the back third, using a light suction effect to keep it secured to the roof of the mouth. Integrating this habit with nasal breathing is essential, consciously checking the tongue position while performing routine activities.