Why is tongue position SO important?
Fact: The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in our body and can exert up to 500g (17.5oz) of force. To put that in perspective, it only takes 1.7g (0.05oz) of force to move a tooth.
Did you know there is a spot in your mouth where the tongue should naturally rest whenever you are not eating or speaking?
The tongue determines the shape and size of the upper jaw. If the child habitually has a low tongue position (as in mouth breathing) the upper teeth will not have enough space and the lower jaw is forced back and down, affecting the way the face grows.
A normal top jaw grows properly because the tongue rests in the correct position (known as the Correct Tongue Resting Position), which is in the roof of your mouth.
If your tongue does not rest in the roof of your mouth, the top jaw will become too narrow and teeth won’t have enough room to grow straight.
For more information about correct tongue positioning and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pete Nathe at Yakima Smiles, please contact our office at (509) 965-7909. We will be happy to provide you with additional information and help you schedule a consultation with our caring dentist to receive treatment.
