Proper oral rest posture refers to the ideal positioning of the tongue, lips, and teeth when the mouth is at rest.
This posture is crucial for healthy breathing, facial development, and preventing orthodontic issue.
Signs of Improper Oral Rest Posture:
Lips remain apart when at rest
Tension or strain when lips are closed
Upper lip appears flaccid or rolled out
Lips are frequently dry or crusty
Upper lip exhibits a pronounced “cupid’s bow” shape
Cheeks appear flattened
One or both jaws recessed from ideal position
Nose-lip angle greater than 110 degrees
How to Determine what is a Proper Oral Rest Posture?
1. Tongue Position: The tongue should rest lightly against the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth. This position helps maintain the natural shape of the dental arches and supports nasal breathing.
2. Lips: The lips should remain gently closed without any strain. Open lips may encourage mouth breathing, which can result in various health problems.
3. Teeth: The upper and lower teeth should be slightly apart, with the jaw in a relaxed position. This posture minimizes tension in the facial muscles and helps prevent tooth wear caused by clenching or grinding.
4. Breathing: Nasal breathing is the ideal way to breathe. It filters, warms, and humidifies the air, reducing the risk of respiratory issues.
Tongue Position: The tongue should rest lightly against the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth. This position helps maintain the natural shape of the dental arches and supports nasal breathing.
Lips: The lips should remain gently closed without any strain. Open lips may encourage mouth breathing, which can result in various health problems.
Teeth: The upper and lower teeth should be slightly apart, with the jaw in a relaxed position. This posture minimizes tension in the facial muscles and helps prevent tooth wear caused by clenching or grinding.
Breathing: Nasal breathing is the ideal way to breathe. It filters, warms, and humidifies the air, reducing the risk of respiratory issues.
Why Proper Oral Rest Posture Matters:
Speech Development
Encourages the natural development of a well-formed palate, which is critical for creating a healthy and properly functioning airway.
Supports balanced facial growth, preventing issues such as a narrow palate or recessed jaw, which can contribute to breathing difficulties and other health concerns.
Breathing:
Promotes nasal breathing, which is the most efficient and healthy way to breathe.
Nasal breathing filters out particles, warms the air before it enters the lungs, and humidifies the air, all of which help reduce the risk of respiratory issues such as infections and allergies.
Orthodontic Health:
Helps prevent or lessen the severity of misaligned teeth and bite issues, which are often caused by improper oral rest posture.
Reduces the need for extensive orthodontic treatment by maintaining the natural alignment of the teeth and jaw, potentially avoiding more complex procedures in the future.
How to Achieve Proper Oral Rest Posture:
Orthodontic Interventions:
In some cases, orthodontic appliances or treatments may be necessary to support and enhance proper oral posture.
These interventions can help align the teeth and jaw, create more space in the mouth, and ensure that the airway remains open and unobstructed.
Myofunctional Therapy:
Involves specific exercises designed to train and strengthen the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face.
Aims to establish and maintain the correct oral rest posture, ensuring that the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth, the lips are closed, and the teeth are slightly apart.
Breathing Exercises:
Techniques focused on encouraging consistent nasal breathing, which is crucial for maintaining proper oral posture.
Exercises that help correct mouth breathing habits, ensuring that nasal breathing becomes the default mode of respiration.
