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Correct Tongue Resting Position; Mewing

April 21, 2026

Illustration of correct tongue resting position for healthy facial posture and jaw development.

The correct resting position of the tongue in the mouth should not be piled up on the floor of the lower jaw, but on the upper palate. This posture is crucial for healthy jaw development, proper breathing, and dental health.

Details of the Correct Tongue and Mouth Position

Tip of the Tongue: It should gently touch the rough and domed area (incisive papilla) located just behind the upper front teeth. The tongue must never push against the front teeth or touch them.
Body and Back of the Tongue: Not only the tip of the tongue, but also the middle and back parts of the tongue should completely rest against the upper palate and cover it. A slight vacuum effect can be created in the mouth to help the tongue stay there.
Lips: The lips should be slightly closed and in a completely relaxed position.
Teeth: The upper and lower teeth may gently touch each other or have a small gap of 1-2 millimeters between them. The teeth must absolutely not be clenched.
Breathing: Since the mouth is closed, breathing should only be done through the nose.

Why is it Important?

This posture (often known as “mewing” or correct orthotropic posture) ensures the correct functioning of facial muscles. The gentle pressure applied by the tongue to the palate helps in widening the upper jaw, prevents crooked teeth, reduces the risk of sleep apnea or snoring, and can alleviate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pains.

It might be difficult at first to notice where your tongue rests during the day, but over time, as muscle memory develops, this position will become automatic.