As parents, we’re always looking for ways to help our children grow healthy and strong. We teach them to eat vegetables, brush their teeth, and get a good night’s sleep. But there’s one habit—often overlooked—that can impact your child’s smile, speech, sleep quality, and even their behavior.
And the best part? It starts with something as simple as how they use their tongue.
The Hidden Role of the Tongue
Your child’s tongue does more than help them eat and talk. It plays a huge role in how their face develops, how they breathe, and even how they sleep at night.
Ideally, the tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth whenever it’s not in use. This position helps:
- Guide proper jaw and facial growth
- Keep airways open
- Support clear speech
- Promote nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing
Unfortunately, many children don’t have this habit naturally. Instead, they might rest their tongue low in the mouth or breathe through their mouth – both of which can lead to crowded teeth, poor sleep, and even recurring health issues.
Why It Matters for Their Health
Mouth breathing and incorrect tongue posture can cause a ripple effect throughout your child’s health:
- Dental problems – Crowded teeth, narrow arches, and bite issues
- Sleep challenges – Snoring, restless sleep, or even sleep-disordered breathing
- Speech difficulties – Trouble pronouncing certain sounds
- Facial changes – Long, narrow face shape and underdeveloped jaw
- Behavior and focus issues – Poor sleep can affect mood, attention, and school performance
Enter Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy – but for the mouth, tongue, and face muscles. Through fun, age-appropriate exercises, it retrains the tongue to rest in the right place, strengthens oral muscles, and encourages healthy nasal breathing.
At Restore Modern Dentistry, located in Bentonville, Arkansas, our myofunctional therapist works one-on-one with children to build this “simple habit” into their everyday life. It’s amazing to see how such a small change can make such a big difference – from better sleep to improved confidence in their smile.
The Takeaway for Parents
By helping your child develop the habit of proper tongue posture and nasal breathing, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of better health.
It’s one of the simplest, most powerful habits you can encourage and it might just change their health forever.
If you’ve noticed your child breathing through their mouth, snoring, or struggling with speech or crowded teeth, it’s worth getting a myofunctional evaluation. Small changes now can lead to big benefits later.