Tongue Posture & Mewing for Better Breathing | Expert Advice from a Top Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino




You might be surprised to learn that where your tongue rests has a huge impact on your health, appearance, and quality of sleep. It's not just a muscle for tasting and talking; proper tongue posture, often referred to as Mewing (after Dr. Mike Mew), is a key foundation for optimal facial structure and, crucially, open airways. For many, simply repositioning the tongue on the roof of the mouth can be a game-changer.

If you are struggling with jaw discomfort, snoring, or suspect you might have a breathing-related sleep disorder, understanding and mastering this technique is a powerful, non-invasive step toward improvement. Finding the right guidance is essential to ensure you are practicing it correctly and benefiting fully.

Why Proper Tongue Posture Matters

The ideal resting position for your tongue is flush against the entire roof of your mouth (palate), not resting on the bottom of your mouth or against your front teeth. This seemingly small habit has profound effects:

  • Supports Facial Bones: The pressure of the tongue helps shape and support the maxilla (upper jawbone), contributing to a broader palate, more defined cheekbones, and a stronger jawline.

  • Keep the Airway Open: When your tongue rests correctly on the roof of your mouth, it prevents the back of the tongue from collapsing into the throat. This is critically important for preventing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

  • Promotes Nasal Breathing: Proper tongue posture naturally encourages breathing through your nose, which filters, warms, and humidifies the air, leading to better overall health and more restful sleep.

The principles behind proper tongue posture are often integrated into advanced treatments provided by Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino

How to Rest Your Tongue Correctly

Mewing is essentially the conscious practice of maintaining correct tongue posture. It takes time and consistency to turn this into an unconscious habit. Here’s a simple way to find the correct position:

  1. Find the "N" Spot: Say the word "SING." Notice where the back of your tongue makes contact with your palate to make the 'ng' sound. This is the posterior, or crucial, part of the palate where the tongue needs to rest.

  2. Achieve Full Suction: Gently press the entire tongue—including the base near the throat—up against the roof of your mouth.

  3. Use Suction, Not Strain: The goal is to hold it there using a gentle suction action, not by clenching your jaw or straining your muscles. The front tip should rest just behind your front teeth without touching them.

  4. Practice Consistently: Maintain this posture throughout the day, while swallowing, and, eventually, while sleeping.

When Mewing Connects to Sleep Apnea Treatment

While proper tongue posture is a beneficial daily practice, it is not a standalone cure for severe sleep apnea. However, it plays a vital role in addressing contributing factors and enhancing the effectiveness of other treatments, such as Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).

A specialist in sleep-disordered breathing, like a Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, can assess your jaw structure, airway, and tongue function. They may recommend exercises, like Myofunctional Therapy, which often includes elements of tongue posture training, alongside custom-fitted oral appliances. OAT gently repositions the jaw to physically open the airway, while proper tongue posture complements this by training the muscles to hold a healthier position naturally. This combined approach often leads to the best long-term results.

If you are concerned about your breathing, snoring, or diagnosis of sleep apnea, seeking expert advice is the most important step you can take. A knowledgeable specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and create a personalized plan that includes structural and behavioral therapies, optimizing the way your tongue rests for better sleep and health.

To schedule a consultation and learn more about personalized sleep solutions and the role of proper tongue posture: https://mgormandental.com/ 818-390-9509

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