Why Your Child’s Tongue Posture Matters More Than You Think

Most parents don’t spend much time thinking about where their child’s tongue rests. But in my world as a myofunctional therapist, tongue posture is one of the first things I look at—and one of the biggest clues when it comes to breathing, speech, feeding, and facial development. 

The truth is, where your child’s tongue lives when they’re not talking or eating plays a powerful role in how their face and airway grow. And when that posture is off, it can lead to a chain reaction of symptoms that show up in everyday life. 

What Is Tongue Posture, Really? 

Tongue posture refers to the resting position of the tongue inside the mouth. Ideally, the tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth (the palate), with lips closed and breathing happening through the nose. 

This “ideal” posture helps: 

● Shape the upper jaw and support proper facial development 

● Keep the airway open and encourage nasal breathing 

● Build the foundation for clear speech sounds 

● Promote proper swallowing patterns 

Signs Your Child May Have Low Tongue Posture 

Low tongue posture happens when the tongue rests at the bottom of the mouth instead of up against the palate. It often shows up with: 

● Mouth breathing, especially at night 

● Snoring or restless sleep 

● Messy or picky eating habits 

● Speech delays or unclear sounds 

● Forward head posture or slouched sitting 

These signs aren’t about blame—they’re signals that your child’s body is compensating. And it’s our job to look deeper.

Why It Matters (Especially While They’re Still Growing) 

When the tongue doesn’t rest in the right place, the upper jaw may not develop fully. That can lead to a narrow palate, crowded teeth, or even issues with the airway. It can also affect the way your child swallows, speaks, and breathes. 

The good news? Kids’ bodies are adaptable. With the right tools, we can guide those patterns back into alignment before bigger problems set in. 

What You Can Do at Home 

While every child is different, here are a few things to try: 

● Gently cue your child to rest their tongue on the roof of their mouth during quiet play or reading 

● Encourage nasal breathing with daily Xlear spray or a fun “breathing buddy” game 

● Observe their chewing and swallowing patterns during meals—do they keep lips sealed and sit upright? 

● Talk to them about “keeping your tongue in its home” in a playful, no-pressure way 

If you’re unsure what’s normal or feel like something’s off, trust that instinct. That’s where we come in. 

Getting Support from a Myofunctional Therapist 

At OroGlow, we assess tongue posture and oral function in a gentle, child-centered way. We help parents understand the why behind the symptoms and offer a plan that fits your child’s needs and your family’s pace. 

You deserve answers—not a wait-and-see approach. 

OroGlow is a holistic myofunctional and speech therapy practice serving families in Abilene, Texas and virtually across the U.S. We specialize in root-cause care that supports better breathing, feeding, speech, and sleep for kids of all ages.