Jaw, Teeth Clenching, Tight Cheeks and Tongue Position

Where does your tongue sit usually?

This is a common question I usually ask my clients who come in with jaw issues particularly to do with bruxing (clenching or grinding at night). Often they complain of tight cheeks, sore gum or cracked teeth.

Tongue position determines whether you breathe in through your nose or mouth.

Ideal way is to have the tip of tongue on the alveolar ridges (hard palate = “Roof of Mouth”) just immediately behind the top front teeth and breathe in through your nose. During this time your top and bottom teeth are apart with a little gap (feel the weight of the lower jaw) with lips closed. This makes you a nose breather.

During your waking hours, try and practice placing your tongue on “Roof of Mouth” with lips closed. And if you notice either clenching/grinding or your mouth is dry (often indicates mouth breathing), make an effort to train tongue on “Roof of Mouth”.