When we think of posture , we typically think of the way we stand. This is important, but it’s only one part of the picture.
The way our tongue sits in our mouth can have a big impact on how well our posture works, which means that keeping your tongue in proper position is as important as standing up straight.
In this post, I want to talk about why proper tongue posture matters and how you can make sure yours is in good shape so that you can be healthy and happy
What is proper tongue posture?
There are a few different things that go into proper tongue posture. First, your tongue should rest lightly on the top of your mouth, behind your upper teeth. You shouldn’t have to force it into this position – it should be comfortable.
Second, your tongue should be slightly curved so that the tip is pointing down toward the floor of your mouth. This is the position that it naturally wants to be in and will help you to avoid problems like teeth grinding.
Finally, your tongue should be relaxed. This may seem counterintuitive – after all, how can you keep your tongue in proper position if it’s not actively doing something? – but a tense tongue is more likely to cause problems.
Why does proper tongue posture matter?
There are many reasons why proper tongue posture is important, but here are some of the most important ones:
1. Proper tongue posture helps to maintain good posture overall. When your tongue is in the correct position, it helps to keep your head and neck in alignment, which can prevent pain in the neck and back.
2. Proper tongue posture can help to prevent teeth grinding . When your tongue is curved and relaxed, it will put less pressure on your teeth, which can help to reduce the likelihood of teeth grinding and clenching.
3. Proper tongue posture can help to prevent snoring . Snoring is often caused by an improper tongue position that blocks the airway. When your tongue is in the correct position, it will help to keep the airway open and reduce the chances of snoring.
4. Proper Tongue posture can help relieve tension headaches . Tension headaches are often caused by muscle tension in the neck and jaw. When your tongue is in the correct position, it will help to relax these muscles, which can lead to relief from tension headaches.
Tongue Posture Exercises
There are a few different exercises that you can do to help improve your tongue posture. These exercises will help to strengthen the muscles in your tongue and jaw, which will make it easier to keep your tongue in the correct position.
Mewing
This exercise is simple but effective. To do it, close your teeth lightly together and then push your tongue up against the roof of your mouth. You should feel a stretch in the muscles of your tongue and jaw. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then release.
WebMD
Tongue Press
This exercise is similar to mewing, but instead of pushing your tongue up against the roof of your mouth, you will push it down against the floor of your mouth. Again, you should feel a stretch in the muscles of your tongue and jaw. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then release. Repeat 10 times.
Say “ahh”
Open your mouth wide and then say the letter “A” out loud. You should feel a stretch in your jaw muscles. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Tongue twisters
Try saying some tongue twisters out loud to help improve the muscle control in your tongue. Some examples include:
She sells sea shells (and) by the sea shore.
How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?
I saw Susie sitting in a shoeshine shop.
Practicing proper tongue posture is important for overall health and well-being. By taking the time to do some simple exercises, you can help to improve your tongue posture and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.
Tips for proper tongue posture
If you’re not used to keeping your tongue in proper posture, it may feel strange at first. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Practice holding your tongue in the correct position for a few minutes each day. It may help to place a finger on your tongue to help keep it in place.
2. Pay attention to your tongue throughout the day and make sure it stays in proper position. This may mean retraining yourself to speak and swallow properly.
3. Try to avoid activities that put strain on your tongue, such as chewing gum or biting your nails.
4. See a dentist or doctor if you have any pain or discomfort in your tongue or jaw. This could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be treated.
Maintaining proper tongue posture is key to avoiding a host of health problems. It may take some time and effort to get used to keeping your tongue in the correct position, but it’s well worth it for the benefits it provides. Make sure to practice regularly and pay attention to your tongue throughout the day. If you experience any pain or discomfort, see a dentist or doctor for evaluation.
