Resting tongue position describes what the tongue does between speaking, chewing and swallowing movements. Observing it can help you understand a retraining instruction. The aim is to identify a function or discomfort without trying to maintain a rigid position permanently.
What is observed at rest?
A professional may observe lip and jaw position, the space occupied by the tongue and breathing pattern. They relate these observations to your teeth, symptoms and the functions assessed.
Deliberately checking in a mirror does not always reproduce spontaneous rest: as soon as you observe your tongue, you may move it. Also describe what you notice during the day without trying to monitor your mouth constantly.
Does contact with the teeth mean there is a problem?
Contact alone is not enough to draw a conclusion. Distinguish temporary contact, prolonged pressure, a position adapted to the existing bite and a functional difficulty.
Proffit describes resting tongue and lip pressures as factors in dental equilibrium. This approach does not allow tooth movement to be attributed to a single observed action. Proffit, 1978
If your teeth have changed position or you feel uncomfortable pressure, have the overall situation examined. Our guide tongue pressure against the teeth in adults explains what warrants an assessment.
What does “tongue on the palate” mean?
This phrase sometimes helps identify a contact reference point within a programme. To be useful, it must specify the location, intensity and situation involved. It does not mean clenching the teeth or pushing the palate as hard as possible.
An uncomfortable instruction should be reviewed. If nasal breathing remains difficult, do not force your mouth closed to follow a posture found online. Chronic mouth breathing has been associated with dentofacial features, but the research is observational and does not validate correction through an appliance alone. Zhao et al., 2021
The article tongue on the palate explains the difference between contact, rest and active exercise.
Does every posture need retraining?
A posture differing from one shown in a picture does not automatically require treatment. The decision depends on function, discomfort and assessment findings. The retraining goal should be stated and reassessed.
In some children with open bite and atypical swallowing, a pilot trial observed improved resting posture after therapy. It does not establish an indication for every child or adult. Van Dyck et al., 2016
Systematic reviews continue to highlight poor study quality and varied methods. A possible functional improvement must not be presented as a guarantee of straight teeth or facial transformation. Homem et al., 2014
How can you prepare for assessment without self-diagnosis?
- Describe the specific discomfort and when it occurs.
- Note whether it is spontaneous contact or an action you are trying to maintain.
- Report orthodontic care and appliances worn.
- Mention breathing difficulties or discomfort when swallowing.
- Ask which criterion will assess the proposed work.
To choose whom to consult, see physiotherapist or speech and language therapist for tongue retraining. If an appliance is considered, clarify its purpose and instructions before using it.
Sources and method
- Proffit, 1978. Pressure equilibrium and tooth position: theoretical paper.
- Zhao et al., 2021. Mouth breathing and dentofacial development: a review of observational studies.
- Van Dyck et al., 2016. Pilot trial in 22 children with anterior open bite.
- Homem et al., 2014. Systematic review of myofunctional therapy in orthodontics.
Written by: Dr Vladimir Khourda, a dentist who no longer practises. Informational content updated on 1 October 2026 using the references cited. It does not replace an individual assessment.