The Importance of Proper Tongue Posture and Nasal Breathing

The Importance of Proper Tongue Posture and Nasal Breathing

When it comes to breathing, most of us never stop to think about how we do it—through the nose or the mouth. Yet the way we breathe can have a profound impact on our overall health and development. Our bodies were designed to breathe through the nose, where the air is efficiently filtered, warmed, and humidified before it enters the lungs. Nasal breathing supports better oxygen circulation throughout the body and promotes balance within our nervous system, helping us stay calm, alert, and healthy.

What many people don’t realize is that the position of the tongue is essential for nasal breathing to work properly. When the tongue rests comfortably against the roof of the mouth (the palate), it helps direct airflow in and out through the nose. This simple resting posture supports not only healthy breathing but also the proper growth and development of the face and jaws.

The Hidden Impact of Tongue Ties

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, tight, or thick. This restricts the tongue’s movement, pulling it downward and preventing it from resting against the palate. For many children, and even adults, this can make it challenging or sometimes impossible to create a proper tongue-to-palate seal.

Over time, this low tongue posture can have a ripple effect. It may lead to mouth breathing, snoring, and disrupted sleep patterns. Parents often notice restless sleep, noisy breathing, or children waking frequently throughout the night. As we like to say, children should be silent and still when they are sleeping. Anything less may be a sign that their breathing or oral posture needs attention.

How Tongue Posture Shapes Growth

The tongue is much more than a muscle used for eating and speaking. It acts as a natural guide for the development of the upper jaw. At rest, the gentle pressure of the tongue against the palate, balanced by the opposing pressure of the lips, helps shape the upper dental arch and ensure proper alignment of the teeth.

When this balance is disrupted, such as by a tongue tie or chronic mouth breathing, it can affect how the upper jaw and midface grow. Narrow palates, crowded teeth, and high-arched palates are common outcomes, and each of these can impact breathing and overall oral health.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Research shows that children with untreated tongue ties may develop abnormal tongue function early in life, which can have secondary effects on facial growth, airway health, and even sleep quality. When the airway becomes restricted, children may experience fragmented sleep or lower oxygen levels at night. This, in turn, can affect focus, behavior, and overall well-being.

Our goal is prevention. By helping children achieve proper tongue posture and nasal breathing early on, we can promote optimal growth, prevent harmful changes in oral development, and set the stage for lifelong wellness.

Supporting Healthy Development

If you notice that your child snores, breathes through their mouth, has trouble sleeping, or struggles with certain speech sounds, it may be worth evaluating how their tongue functions and rests. A collaborative approach involving airway-focused dental care, myofunctional therapy, and in some cases a tongue-tie release can make a meaningful difference in growth, sleep, and quality of life.

At the heart of it all, it’s about giving children the tools their bodies were designed to use—nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, and restful, restorative sleep. With early awareness and the right guidance, we can help prevent problems before they begin and support healthier smiles and stronger bodies for life.