11/13/2023
TONGUE SPACE MATTERS!
What do I mean by “Tongue Space”?
By tongue space, I am literally referring to the amount of space that you have in your mouth to accommodate the size of your tongue.
If you lack tongue space, your tongue becomes crowded in the mouth. This can affect many aspects of your daily functioning- the way you breathe, sleep, chew, speak and swallow.
Let’s break it down:
- if your palate is narrow, your tongue is crowded in the mouth
- If the tongue is crowded, it impinges on airway space
- If you can’t breathe well, you don’t sleep well
- If you don’t breathe or sleep well, no system in your body is unaffected. Think mental health, digestive health, hormonal health, brain health, cardiovascular health, etc.
Orthodontic treatment deserves a lot more credit. Having the ability to improve the structure of the mouth can literally change a person’s life and improve their health long term.
The problem is, not all orthodontists have this approach to treatment or philosophy, so it’s vital to do your own research and connect with the right provider. One who looks at the whole picture.
Find an orthodontist that believes in expansion of the jaw; not retraction. *Personally, I recommend avoiding tooth extractions whenever possible for orthodontic purposes.* Extracting teeth does not usually result in increased tongue space.
I also strongly recommend working with a Myofunctional Therapist in combination with orthodontic treatment. The reason why we end up with narrow dental arches to begin with is generally related to orofacial muscle dysfunction: mouth breathing, low tongue posture, open mouth resting posture. Correcting these dysfunctions through Myofunctional Therapy will help with orthodontic stability and improve your breathing and orofacial muscle patterns.
👋 Hey there! I’m Courtney, the founder of .myo. A Canadian Dental Hygienist, Myofunctional Therapist, and Mom. Join me in spreading awareness for airway health! 🌬️💙 Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our email list for exclusive updates and insights! 📬✨ Link in bio to join our community! 🔗