Correct tongue position

In high-level professional theater, the viewer never suffers from poor hearing or slurred speech of the participants in the action, although in ordinary life (which the theater depicts) one often has to listen to the words of the interlocutor, even one-on-one. People rarely think about this, and certainly no one perceives an actor’s perfect speech as an achievement. But if the speech is slurred, they will certainly notice and point it out. Articulatory gymnastics for the tongue allows you to avoid this.

Along with texture, skills in creating an image, embodying speech, plasticity, choreography and vocals, mastery of speech is a factor in the professional suitability of an artist.

There is an opinion that speech and voice are from God, and gifted people who are naturally good at speaking are hired as actors. This is not true, speech is an acquired skill, correct and clear speech is a polished skill. We are all born with the same set of organs capable of producing sounds in the same way; the only difference can be in the timbre and tone of the voice. Of course, we do not take into account people whose speech apparatus has been damaged mechanically or suffered as a result of illness.

How exactly we talk about quality is determined by our daily needs. Since in society it is not customary to shout and talk too loudly, and our audience is most often limited to 1-2 interlocutors standing nearby, we do not need an ideal and polished sound. This is the main reason why the average person's speech is inexpressive. To blame the lack of natural data for this is to shift from a sore head to a healthy one. If you set a goal, you can catch up with the sound of an ordinary theater artist in a short time, and articulation gymnastics for adults will help with this.

Correct tongue position - why is it important?

For the correct formation of a bite and coherent speech, the correct functioning of all elements of the dental system is important.
The position of the tongue also plays an important role. Under normal conditions, the tongue should exert slight pressure on the upper row of teeth, which contributes to the formation of a correct bite in childhood. The physiological position of the tongue has the following positive effects:

The development of the upper jaw is stimulated, both in length and width.
Blood microcirculation in the nasopharynx area improves. This helps strengthen local immunity, which is important, in particular, for protection against respiratory infections.
Balance improves, which is a prerequisite for the formation of correct posture.
The normal tone of the facial muscles is maintained in a calm state.

Tongue position - what does it affect?

The correct position of the tongue is the key to a physiological bite, as well as the absence of problems with swallowing, chewing and speech. Let's look at the main negative consequences that arise when the tongue is positioned incorrectly.

If the tongue is pushed back:

Swallowing disorder is a disorder in the synchronization between swallowing and breathing.
Pulling the lower jaw back.
Dysfunction of the auditory tube.
Violation of voice formation.

If the tongue is moved forward:

Swallowing disorder.
The lower jaw is pulled forward.
Violation of voice formation.
Curvature of teeth, especially the front ones.
Protrusion of the tongue forward.
Decreased lip tone (up to complete loss).
Excessive tension transmitted to certain muscles and joints of the dental system.

Symptoms that occur due to improper tongue position include:

violation of nasal breathing;
swallowing disorder;
speech defects;
neuromotor development disorder;
symptoms from ENT organs;
malocclusion and other dental problems;
dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ);
emotional disturbances.

Why is articulation gymnastics needed?

Learning to speak means training the moving muscles of the tongue, lips and cheeks to work synchronously to produce certain sounds. Articulatory gymnastics is needed to strengthen the muscles of the speech apparatus and develop muscle memory in them. With its help, a speech therapist provides sound for the child, and a professional speaker keeps his main instrument in good shape. A popular way to eliminate speech defects using tongue twisters is also a type of speech gymnastics, since pronouncing a tongue twister is an exercise in technique.

Why is the tongue positioned incorrectly?

There are several reasons that have a direct impact on the position of the tongue in the oral cavity:

Nasal breathing disorder . This causes the tongue to move downwards. Such changes are necessary to facilitate oral breathing. Let us remember that mouth breathing, in turn, contributes to the formation of malocclusion. Therefore, parents need to closely monitor the respiratory condition of their children.
Short bridle . In this case, the tongue is “sandwiched” by the short frenulum in a lowered position. Physically, the tongue is not able to fully press against the palate (the position of the tongue is physiologically correct).
Curvature in the cervical spine . Dysfunction of the cervical spine has a direct impact on the position of the tongue.
Disorders of muscles and nerves . Dysfunction of certain nerves and muscles of the maxillofacial area can cause improper tongue position. For example, this applies to the work of the glossopharyngeal and hypoglossal nerves, as well as the styloid-glossus and palatoglossus muscles. Disorders of the functions of these nerves and/or muscles lead not only to incorrect tongue position, but also to impaired swallowing and breathing.

The position of the tongue is also influenced by several factors, namely:

Factors of intrauterine development - multiple pregnancy, uterine anomalies, uterine hypertonicity and others.
Hereditary factors.
Injuries to the fetus during childbirth.
Prematurity.
Artificial feeding. If a child is forced to be bottle-fed, then the development of the bite and dental system must be carefully monitored.
Late introduction of solid food (when the child has been on a liquid diet for a long time).
Bad habits – thumb sucking, object sucking, cheek biting, prolonged sucking of pacifiers.
Premature loss of baby teeth.
Frequent respiratory diseases (in particular, chronic sinusitis, enlarged adenoids and other diseases).

Teeth marks on the tongue are one of the signs of improper tongue position

Types of tongue malposition

There are 7 options for tongue position. The first one is correct, and all the others are variants of the incorrect location of the organ. Let's take a closer look at them.

Option 1 – physiologically correct tongue position

The palatal position of the tongue is considered correct1. The tongue at rest is pressed against the palate and is located behind the upper incisors. With this arrangement of the organ, a physiologically correct bite is initially formed (unless, of course, there are other reasons and factors for the development of pathological occlusion). In this case, for the formation of a correct bite, the general muscle tone of the face, the work of the temporomandibular joint and other elements of the dental system are also important.

Option 2 – loose fit to the palate

In this case, the tongue rests approximately 0.5 cm above the lingual tubercles. Also, the tongue may drop down by about 0.5-0.8 cm. Under such circumstances, the organ is not pressed tightly against the palate.

When swallowing in this case, the tongue will rest against the upper or lower incisors. This leads to tension in the muscles of the lower lip, which in turn tilts and crowds the lower teeth.

Option 3 - the tongue passes between the molars

With this arrangement, the tongue covers the lingual cusps. The tone of the lower lip is impaired, which leads to the formation of a deep bite. In this case, the lower teeth often crowd together due to lack of space.

It is noteworthy that over time, the severity of a deep bite may increase, and the lower jaw may shift to a posterior position. In this case, the person complains of limited mobility of the lower jaw (in particular, when opening the mouth).

Option 4 – the tongue covers the buccal and lingual cusps

If the tongue covers the buccal and lingual cusps of the lower molars and/or premolars, then in childhood this leads to problems with teething. The tongue puts pressure on the buds of baby teeth, preventing the latter from erupting. In the future, this may lead to disruption of the formation of the roots of permanent teeth. There is even a risk of tooth root resorption, which leads to adentia (tooth loss).

With the 4th variant of the tongue position, the muscle tone of the lips decreases. In such a situation, an inadequate load is placed on the temporomandibular joint, which leads to disruption of its function.

Option 5 – low tongue position

When the tongue is low, it becomes stiff. Often the tip and middle part of the tongue have increased tone. For this reason, such a language visually appears to be overly large. However, it is not. The tongue is of normal size, but the volumetric effect creates tone.

The low position of the tongue has a significant impact on the dental system, in particular the lower jaw. For this reason, excessive development of the lower jaw (macrognathia) with the formation of a mesial bite is possible. There is also a danger of underdevelopment of the upper jaw, which also forms a mesial bite.

When the jaw moves forward, the functioning of the jaw joints is also disrupted. This leads to characteristic clicking and pain when trying to open the mouth.

Option 6 – tongue between the upper and lower incisors

Often, with this position of the tongue, the orbital muscles of the mouth are weakened and the masticatory tone of the muscles is reduced. This is another option for the “low” location of the organ. Most often, in the 6th position, the tongue is not active enough, which leads to the development of speech defects. The distortion of whistling sounds is especially noticeable.

If with this arrangement the tone of the masticatory muscles is also disturbed, then lengthening of the face is possible, as well as discomfort and pain in the jaw joints. This is due to a violation of the distribution of loads on the facial muscles.

Option 7 – lateral position

Most often, the reason for this position of the tongue is bad habits (thumb sucking, biting nails, pens, etc.). Impaired innervation is another reason for lateral displacement of the tongue.

When the tongue is in a lateral position, swallowing is impaired. The tongue will put pressure on the side of the dental system where it deviates. This leads to uneven development of the jaws.

School of imbuilding and body practices in Novosibirsk. Imbuilding in Novosibirsk. Women's practices.

These exercises, with regular training, will help keep the lower part of the face in excellent shape for a long time (clear contour, absence of a double chin, plump lips), and will also significantly improve the quality of blowjob performance.

1. Exercise Mona Lisa (with a wine cork).

Select a wine cork with a height suitable for your mouth, approximately 3 cm. Hold the cork at height between your teeth and close your lips in front of it. First, do it in front of the mirror, making sure that your lips do not form wrinkles. To do this, you can slightly stretch your lips in a Mona Lisa smile, again making sure that the nasolabial folds do not worsen. 60 times in a row.

2. Spaghetti exercise (with an empty plastic bottle).

You will need an empty 0.5 liter bottle and a cotton cord approximately 1 m long. Tie one end of the cord to the neck of the bottle and place it on the floor. Place the other end in your mouth. Working only with your lips, as if you were pulling spaghetti into your mouth, we try to lift the bottle from the floor, raising it at least 10-15 cm. You can help with your tongue, pressing the cord in your mouth to your teeth, gums, and wrap the cord around your tongue. Teeth are not involved in the exercise! 5-10 lifts in a row. Lips will be irresistible!

3. Exercise Cloud (with a bottle filled with water).

Fill the same bottle with water. Try pouring half of it first. Place your lips around the neck of the bottle and hold it, without using a vacuum or teeth. It is better to do it above the sink or bathtub so that the cloud does not burst into showers of rain on the floor. Select a volume of water in the bottle so that the first hold lasts 20-25 seconds. 5-10 holds in a row. Add a small amount of water every day. Learn to hold 1.5 liters, get a black belt in blowjobs.

4. Exercise Tao.

Teeth open, lips closed. Use your tongue to circle the inner surface of your lips: 72 times in one direction, then the same amount in the other direction. There is no need to rush - try to do the exercise efficiently, so that the lower jaw does not move simultaneously with the tongue. Only after the exercise is completed can you swallow saliva. If at first 72 times will be difficult, start with 36. In the future, the exercise can be done lying down.

5. Exercise Long tongue.

We pull the tongue for 5 seconds, as far as possible, in different directions in this order: forward-remove, up-remove, forward-remove, down-remove, left (while looking to the right)-remove, forward-remove, right (while In this case, we look to the left) - removed, forward - removed. 5 cycles in a row.

6. Exercise Scoop.

Place your relaxed tongue on your lower lip. Using a tense lower lip, wrap your tongue, folding it in half. In the future, learn to fold your tongue without the help of your lower lip. 60 times in a row.

7. Exercise Turning the tongue.

Turn your tongue in your mouth, trying to turn its lower part up. To do this, rest the edge of the tongue against the nearest row of teeth and wrap it in the same side. Then we repeat the same thing, turning the tongue in the other direction. First we study in front of a mirror with our mouth open. In the future we do it with our mouth closed. 60 times in a row.

Training to improve the situation

It is possible and necessary to correct the position of the tongue. Myofunctional therapy has been developed for this purpose. It is used for both therapeutic and preventive purposes. The advantages of this treatment are that it can be performed at any age and at any stage of orthodontic treatment. In addition, mewing does not require special skills or experience. Myofunctional orthodontics specialists will simply show you exercises that need to be performed regularly. The patient’s task is to perform the complex in strict accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.

Here are some common exercises that will help correct the position of your tongue:

Place your lips behind your lower teeth, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth, and tighten your chin. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then relax your muscles. Repeat 10 times.
Place your tongue behind your upper teeth, lengthen your chin and tense your lower jaw and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
The tongue must be placed in the palatine cavity and tense. Stay in this position for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
The starting position is the same as in the previous exercise. Now try to swallow saliva without using the muscles of your cheeks and lips. Only the muscles of the tongue should work. This exercise will be difficult for you at first, but every time you do it you will notice progress. Repeat 10 times.
The starting position is the same as the previous exercise. Tighten your tongue and smile. Then use your index fingers to press on the corners of your mouth, trying to hold back your smile. After 10 seconds you can relax. Repeat 10 times.
Pull your tongue forward as far as possible, trying to reach your chin. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 15 times.
Extend your tongue, trying to reach the tip of your nose. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 15 times.

Rules for performing exercises

It is recommended to perform a set of exercises in a good mood. The articulation is reminiscent of ordinary antics, but differs in the quality of the movements, so nothing prevents you from fooling around and having fun.
The room should be bright and well ventilated. It is advisable that no one bothers you to study.
Having a mirror will be a big plus, especially if your acquaintance with articulatory gymnastics is just beginning.
You can’t exercise immediately after eating, just like on an empty stomach. At least 1 hour must pass since the last meal.
When performing exercises, do not think about speed, it is secondary. The most important thing is pressure, muscle tension. After class you should feel tired and hot.
You should not exercise for too long; 15–20 minutes a day will be enough.

FAQ

Will I be able to correct my malocclusion if my tongue position remains incorrect?

Modern orthodontics has a wide range of methods for correcting malocclusion. At the same time, bite correction must be comprehensive. A prerequisite is the elimination of all causes and factors leading to the formation of malocclusion. This also applies to correcting the position of the tongue.

Will myogymnastics help correct the situation?

Yes. Exercises will help correct the position of the tongue. But sometimes exercise is not enough. Additionally, orthodontic treatment to correct the bite is required. In some cases, surgery is needed.

Should the tongue rest on the teeth?

No, it should be located behind the teeth.