09/09/2026
A small thing that can make a big difference: where your tongue rests when your mouth is at rest. 👅
Ideally, the tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth, with the lips closed and breathing happening through the nose.
This resting position supports more than speech—it can play a role in oral development, sleep, breathing, and engagement during everyday activities.
Some children naturally spend a lot of time with their mouths open or breathe through their mouths, which can sometimes be linked to nasal congestion or other underlying difficulties. Persistent open-mouth posture may also affect oral development and, in some cases, speech sounds such as /s/ and /z/.
If you notice your child regularly mouth breathing, it’s worth paying attention to their nasal breathing. If they struggle to comfortably breathe through their nose, consider speaking with your doctor or an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist to explore why.
👅 Small habits can be important clues about how a child is breathing, sleeping, and developing.