Mastering Proper Tongue Posture: A Guide for Improved Breathing and Posture

Jan 17, 2025Posturepro .

Did you know your tongue plays a critical role in your breathing, posture, and overall health? Beyond helping you talk and eat, proper tongue posture supports nasal breathing, improves spinal alignment, and prevents forward head posture, making it a key factor in your physical well-being.

In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind tongue posture, its connection to your health, and simple steps you can take to ensure your tongue is working for you—not against you.

Improve tongue posture and enhance mewing results with our Functional Activator.

What is Proper Tongue Posture?

The Correct Position

Proper tongue posture refers to where your tongue naturally rests when your mouth is closed. Here’s how it should look:

• The tongue’s tip rests lightly against the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth.

• The middle and back of the tongue gently press against the palate.

• Lips remain sealed, while teeth are slightly apart—without clenching.

This position is essential for optimal breathing, swallowing, and speaking while preventing strain on the jaw, neck, and shoulders.

Signs of Incorrect Tongue Posture

If your tongue rests at the bottom of your mouth or presses against your teeth, it can lead to:

• Mouth breathing, reducing oxygen intake and efficiency.

• Forward head posture, leading to neck and shoulder tension.

• Dental crowding or malocclusion, which affects your bite and jaw alignment.

• Snoring or disrupted sleep, linked to airway blockage.

How Tongue Posture Impacts Breathing and Posture

Tongue Posture and Breathing

When your tongue is positioned correctly, it supports nasal breathing, which is more efficient than mouth breathing. Nasal breathing improves oxygenation, calms the nervous system, and reduces snoring or sleep apnea. Improper tongue posture forces mouth breathing, leading to poor oxygen intake and increased stress on your body.

Tongue Posture and Body Alignment

Your tongue connects to muscles in your jaw, neck, and shoulders. If it rests in the wrong position, it creates tension that can pull your head forward and throw off your spinal alignment. Correct tongue posture stabilizes the jaw, improves head positioning, and reduces strain on your upper back and traps. Tools like the Functional Activator are specifically designed to correct tongue posture and restore alignment throughout your body.

Benefits of Proper Tongue Posture

1. Enhanced Breathing

Proper tongue posture encourages nasal breathing, which improves oxygen intake, promotes better sleep, and supports your overall energy levels.

2. Improved Postural Alignment

By positioning your tongue correctly, you can alleviate forward head posture, uneven shoulders, and upper back tension.

3. Better Oral Health

Correct tongue posture prevents teeth grinding, reduces malocclusion, and promotes healthy dental spacing.

4. Stress Relief

Nasal breathing, supported by proper tongue posture, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce anxiety and tension.

Simple Techniques to Achieve Proper Tongue Posture

1. Tongue Elevation Exercises

Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
Press the entire tongue flat against the palate. Hold for 10 seconds and release.
Repeat this exercise 10 times daily.

2. Mewing Technique

Here’s how:

Keep your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
Ensure your teeth are gently touching without clenching.
Practice nasal breathing at all times.

3. Breathing Retraining

Incorporate breathwork exercises like diaphragmatic breathing to reinforce the connection between tongue posture and nasal breathing.

4. Jaw and Neck Relaxation

Tight neck and jaw muscles can hinder proper tongue positioning. Gentle stretching and massage can help release tension.

The Functional Activator is specifically designed to correct tongue posture and alleviate tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. By guiding your tongue to its proper position, it:

• Encourages nasal breathing for better oxygenation and stress relief.

• Improves spinal alignment, reducing forward head posture and uneven traps.

• Provides long-term relief for TMJ pain, jaw clenching, and poor posture.

This dentist-developed tool is perfect for anyone struggling with chronic pain, poor neck posture, or disrupted sleep.

👉 Breathe Better with the Functional Activator

Make the choice today for better breathing, posture, and overall health!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does mewing work for mouth breathers?

Yes, mewing can help mouth breathers by promoting proper tongue posture and encouraging nasal breathing. By guiding the tongue to rest at the roof of the mouth, mewing strengthens facial and jaw muscles, supports proper breathing mechanics, and gradually reduces reliance on mouth breathing. Tools like the Functional Activator can accelerate this process by retraining tongue posture and promoting alignment.

Can I breathe while mewing?

Absolutely! Proper mewing involves resting your tongue at the roof of your mouth while breathing through your nose. Nasal breathing is an essential part of mewing, as it helps optimize oxygen intake and supports better alignment of the jaw and face. If you struggle with nasal breathing, the Functional Activator can help restore proper breathing patterns.

How long should I mew a day?

Mewing should ideally become a habit rather than a timed exercise. Aim to maintain proper tongue posture throughout the day and while sleeping. Consistency is key to seeing long-term changes. If maintaining tongue posture feels challenging, the Functional Activator can provide consistent support by naturally guiding your tongue into the correct position.

When is it too late to fix mouth breather face?

It’s never too late to address the effects of mouth breathing! While earlier intervention often yields faster results, adults can still benefit from improving tongue posture, nasal breathing, and alignment. Tools like the Functional Activator can help address the root causes of mouth breathing and improve overall facial structure and posture at any age.