As a feeding and myofunctional therapist, we know how important the tongue is, beginning with posture. The tongue should rest on the palate any time you are not eating, drinking, or talking. The tongue is made up of 8 different muscles and is responsible for helping us to speak, swallow, suck, and taste.
Have we shared with you the impact the tongue can have on the shape of the face and jaw?
It is really profound and in a perfect world- there would be no need for braces or appliances that grow the jaw – because the tongue would act as a palate expander and forward growth device for the jaw. And it does when it’s functioning properly and in the correct position.
The tongue drives the shape and width of the palate. If the tongue is not resting on the palate day and night, a high arched palate will emerge. Alternatively, if the tongue IS resting on the palate day and night, a nice broad palate will develop. A broad palate is needed to support the growth of a strong maxilla and mandible. A tongue resting on the palate will allow the maxilla and the mandible to grow forward, wide (laterally), and down creating a strong jaw.
If the tongue isn’t resting on the palate, a narrow and high palate develops. The jaw will typically be more recessed, with a narrow face and smile. The sinuses and nasal passages may even be underdeveloped.
The major significance is not just aesthetic; when we have a wide palate we have a larger airway. A smaller palate leads to a smaller airway which can cause many health issues by inhibiting breathing to a certain degree. Sinuses and nasal passages are also affected by maxillary and mandibular under-growth leading to greater susceptibility for sinus related issues to arise.
Did you know that dark circles under the eyes can be due to the maxilla not growing or forming properly?! When the maxilla doesn’t fully develop, it makes it difficult for the veins around the eyes to drain, leading to dark circles under the eyes.
This is why early we advocate for you to see a feeding therapist (infant and up) and/or a myofunctional therapist (4+ years and older) if you suspect oral motor dysfunction, including mouth breathing day or night. Afterall, it’s not just aesthetics, it’s about overall health and getting to the heart of the matter.
