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How to Stop Tongue Touching Teeth?

Published in Tongue Posture Correction 4 mins read

Stopping your tongue from touching your teeth involves retraining your tongue's resting position and becoming more aware of its placement. Here's a comprehensive guide:

Understanding Why This Happens

Before addressing the "how," understanding "why" the tongue touches the teeth is crucial. This behavior, often referred to as tongue thrust or tongue posture issues, can stem from various factors, including:

  • Habit: Simply a learned behavior developed over time.
  • Mouth Breathing: Compensating for restricted nasal passages.
  • Enlarged Tonsils/Adenoids: Restricting oral space.
  • Thumb Sucking (Past or Present): Affecting oral muscle development.

Practical Techniques to Stop Tongue Touching Teeth

Here's how to break the habit of your tongue touching your teeth:

1. Swallowing Exercises

  • The Candy/Pill Exercise: The referenced information suggests placing a small object (like a candy or pill) on your tongue and trying to swallow without letting it touch your teeth. This exercise helps you develop a proper swallowing pattern.
    • How to do it:
      1. Place the object on the middle of your tongue.
      2. Use your tongue muscles to lift the object towards the roof of your mouth.
      3. Swallow without letting the object touch your teeth.
      4. Repeat several times a day.

2. Consistent Reminders & Awareness

  • Regular Check-ins: According to the reference, set reminders (a note on your phone, sticky notes, etc.) throughout the day to consciously check your tongue's position. Is it pressing against your teeth? Gently reposition it.
    • Techniques:
      • Set alarms on your phone every hour.
      • Place sticky notes in visible locations (mirror, computer monitor).
      • Ask a family member or friend to remind you.

3. Proper Tongue Posture

  • The "N" Sound Exercise: Practice saying the letter "N." Notice where your tongue rests when making that sound? That’s a good resting position - the tip of the tongue should gently rest on the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth, without pressing against them.
    • Tips:
      • Focus on the sensation of the tongue on the roof of the mouth.
      • Maintain a relaxed jaw.
      • Practice throughout the day.

4. Myofunctional Therapy

  • Professional Guidance: Consult a myofunctional therapist. This professional can assess your oral musculature and provide specific exercises to strengthen the correct muscles and break the tongue thrust habit. They can also help identify underlying issues that contribute to the problem.

5. Address Underlying Issues

  • Nasal Breathing: If you're a mouth breather, work on restoring nasal breathing. Consult an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor to address any nasal obstructions.
  • Tonsil/Adenoid Evaluation: If enlarged tonsils or adenoids are suspected, see a doctor for evaluation and potential treatment.

Table: Summary of Techniques

Technique Description Frequency Notes
Swallowing Exercises Swallowing a small object without teeth contact. Several times daily Start with small objects; increase size as you improve.
Consistent Reminders Regular check-ins to monitor tongue position. Hourly or more often Use alarms, notes, or ask for help.
"N" Sound Exercise Practice proper tongue resting position by saying "N". Throughout the day Focus on relaxed jaw and gentle contact with the roof of the mouth.
Myofunctional Therapy Professional therapy for oral muscle retraining. As prescribed by therapist Can address underlying issues and provide tailored exercises.
Address Underlying Issues Treating nasal breathing and tonsil/adenoid problems. As needed Consulting an ENT can help

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