Your Tongue Is Probably in the Wrong Place Right Now. Here’s Why It Matters.

Stop what you're doing and take notice. Where is your tongue right now? Is it resting low in your mouth, perhaps touching the back of your bottom teeth? If so, you're not alone. But you might be surprised to learn that this common resting position isn't the ideal one—and correcting it could have a significant impact on your health.

What is Correct Tongue Posture?

The anatomically correct resting position for your tongue is gently suctioned against the roof of your mouth, also known as the palate. It’s not just about the tip; the entire body of the tongue, from front to back, should be in contact with the palate. Your lips should be sealed, and your teeth should be slightly apart or lightly touching. This posture naturally encourages nasal breathing, which is far healthier than mouth breathing.

A simple way to find this position is to make the '-ng' sound, as in the word 'sing' or 'king'. Hold your tongue in the position it's in at the end of that sound. That's the spot. At first, it might feel strange or even require conscious effort, but the goal is to retrain your muscles until it becomes your natural, subconscious resting state.

The Surprising Benefits of a Well-Placed Tongue

Why does this small adjustment matter so much? The tongue is a powerful group of muscles. When it rests properly on the palate, it provides an internal scaffold for your upper jaw, guiding facial growth and maintaining structure. Proponents, like fitness creator Brett Maverick, point to a range of benefits, from developing a stronger jawline and better facial aesthetics to improving your breathing.

Beyond aesthetics, proper tongue posture is critical for:

• Promoting Nasal Breathing: Keeping the mouth sealed forces you to breathe through your nose, which filters, warms, and humidifies the air you breathe.
• Supporting Dental Health: It can help prevent issues like malocclusion (a bad bite) and teeth grinding by providing proper oral balance.
• Improving Airway and Sleep: A low-sitting tongue can fall back and obstruct your airway during sleep. Proper posture helps keep the airway open, which can be a factor in reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.

The Internet's Collective 'Aha!' Moment

This isn't new information, but for many, it's a revelation. Every so often, the topic goes viral on platforms like Reddit, where thousands of people simultaneously discover their tongue has been loafing about its whole life. The reactions are often a mix of shock and immediate experimentation.

I am 26 years old and I feel like I've been living a lie. I just tried it, and it feels so weird, but I can also breathe through my nose so much better. It's like a secret life hack I never got.

Is This Just the 'Mewing' Trend?

If this sounds familiar, you might have heard of 'mewing,' a term popularized by British orthodontist Dr. John Mew and his son, Dr. Mike Mew. Mewing is essentially the practice of maintaining correct tongue posture with the goal of improving facial structure. While the foundational concept of tongue posture is well-supported in fields like orofacial myofunctional therapy, the more dramatic claims about radically transforming your face as an adult are controversial and lack widespread scientific consensus. However, the core principle—that your tongue belongs on the roof of your mouth for optimal oral and respiratory health—is sound.

Making it Second Nature

Retraining a lifelong habit takes time and conscious effort. Start by setting reminders on your phone or placing sticky notes where you'll see them. Practice the 'king' or 'sing' exercise throughout the day to reacquaint your tongue with its proper home. Over time, this new posture will become your default, and you may just notice you're breathing easier and feeling better for it.

Sources

• How Your Tongue Can Un F*ck Your Face
• What Is The Correct Tongue Posture? | Colgate®
• What’s the Difference Between Mouth Breathing and Nose Breathing? | Healthline