Is it possible for your child’s tongue to be in the improper position? Surprisingly, yes it is. If you’re thinking there’s no way you can incorrectly position this large muscle inside your mouth, ask yourself the question, “Have you ever bitten your tongue?” Chances are that both you and your child have done this, as have nearly 50% of all Americans. To find out if your little one needs help with proper tongue position in McKinney, read on to hear what Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage say on the topic and what can be done to remedy this common problem.
What is the Proper Way for Your Child’s Tongue to Rest?
Known as “tongue positioning,” there is a right and wrong way. When closing the mouth, the teeth should be slightly apart while the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth but not against the teeth. Not only does this correct form of tongue positioning ensure better oral health, but it also prevents teeth from shifting. Your child will also experience fewer headaches, less jaw and neck pain, and achieve better sleep at night.
What is Poor Tongue Positioning?
This involves resting the tongue on the lower part of your mouth. Over time, this improper positioning can cause serious problems for your child’s facial development and oral health. Some of the most common problems that can occur include:
- Increased pain throughout the neck and shoulders resulting in poor posture
- Shifting teeth, resulting in malocclusion (crowding or excess spacing)
- Tooth decay
- Bruxism (i.e., teeth grinding)
- Mouth Breathing
- Speech delay or distortion
- An elongated facial shape that appears flat and/or causes your child’s chin or forehead to push forward
- Difficulties with vision
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
- Sleep Disordered Breathing or Sleep Apnea
How Can It Be Fixed?
By scheduling an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist in McKinney, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage can work with them to determine how the tongue rests and offer helpful appliances, exercises, or referral to appropriate healthcare professionals such as oral myofunctional therapists, Craniosacral therapists, or chiropractors to coordinate care and ensure your little one avoids more serious oral health problems in the future.
You can help remind your child to focus on resting their tongue in the proper position. If they’re having trouble determining where the ideal location should be, your child’s dentist may have them slide their tongue from the tip of their teeth to the area where the roof of the mouth begins to slope upward. They might also try having your little one smile wide and attempt to swallow with their mouth closed. Instantly, this will cause the tongue to rise to the roof of the mouth and into the appropriate position.
Over time, you and your child’s dentists will notice a difference in their oral health and facial functionality. By working with your child to ensure proper tongue positioning, you will help them to avoid more serious issues in the future and instead, enjoy a healthier, happier smile.
About the Authors
Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo are fathers and board-certified pediatric dentists in McKinney. Leading a team of professionals at Sprout Dentistry for Kids, they work with both parents and children to establish proper oral hygiene techniques and encourage better oral health and development through the years. Whether it is helping a busy teen maintain healthy teeth and gums or working with a child to position their tongue properly and avoid everything from decay to sleep apnea, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage are here to help. If your child could use the assistance of qualified dental experts to change the way they smile, visit our website or call (469) 301-3212.