Jaw – Tongue Exercise and Training 2/5 – Tongue Rubbing and Push Up

https://youtu.be/4oFh_xNc99c

Tongue strength and control are important component of the healthy TMJ jaw functioning.

Ideal and optimal position for the tongue is on the roof of mouth, teeth apart and lips together to maintain the negative pressure in the oral cavity (mouth).

In fact,

– the tip of your tongue on the hard palate just before the top front teeth, this is the position your tongue goes when you say the word “T” and,

– almost more than half way from the tip of your tongue contact when you say “Ka ka ka” such as the word “Car, or Karate” equating to two thirds of your tongue on the roof of mouth.

Then teeth apart and lips together to create suction i.e. negative pressure within the oral cavity to keep tongue to remain on the roof of mouth.

This helps to breathe in through nose rather than mouth.

As we know mouth breathing can cause dry mouth (xerostomia) which contributes to clenching and grinding at night (bruxism / bruxing).

Tongue Rubbing and Push Up exercise

1 place tongue on the above position and either keep rubbing, holding or combination of both for 3 minutes

2 teeth slightly kept apart

3 lips closed together while training and exercising your tongue

4 do this 3 times per day

# To make it more interesting, use peanut butter, Nutella or thick honey and spread it on the roof of mouth where you want to train your tongue to stay

Happy Rehab!

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