"Does improper tongue placement change facial shape?"... The correct tongue position is

Just as maintaining proper posture is important, developing the habit of placing the tongue in the correct position is also crucial. It is often thought that the tongue's only function is to sense taste, but it is related to oral health and other factors. Depending on where the tongue is positioned, cavities can develop more easily or facial shape can become distorted.

The tongue is a muscular organ composed of a bundle of strong, long muscles. Although it is fixed at the bottom of the mouth, the tongue can move freely within the oral cavity and primarily functions to move food and produce sounds. When not eating, how should the tongue be positioned? In this case, the tongue should be placed on the palate. The outermost part, the middle, and the back of the tongue should all be in contact with the palate. The tip of the tongue should be gently pressed against the palate to avoid touching the front teeth.

If the tongue is positioned incorrectly, it can strain the jaw joint and negatively affect oral health. When the tongue rests on the floor instead of the palate, the muscles below the jaw are likely to become slack as well. Maintaining this habit for a long time can make the jawline more prominent or cause the face to appear longer than before.

If the tongue is positioned facing the floor instead of the palate, breathing can occur through the mouth rather than the nose. Breathing through the mouth allows external air to enter directly, drying out the inside of the mouth. A dry oral environment reduces saliva secretion, which promotes bacterial growth. Saliva plays a role in protecting teeth and gums from bacteria, preventing cavities and inflammation.

If the tongue continuously pushes against the upper teeth, it can cause the upper teeth to protrude, leading to an overjet oral structure. Even when at rest, the mouth appears to be protruding. This can lead to malocclusion, prognathism, or sleep apnea.

If it is difficult to adjust the position of the tongue, it may be due to a lack of tongue strength. The tongue, being a muscle mass, loses strength and degenerates as we age. You can strengthen your tongue by rubbing the outer surface of your gums with your tongue and making a circular motion. Perform 10 repetitions clockwise and counterclockwise. Pressing the tongue firmly against the palate and front teeth for 10 seconds is also beneficial. Lifting your head and sticking your tongue straight out forward helps strengthen the muscles around the tongue and neck.