How Breathing and Tongue Placement Can Change Your Face Shape

The physical structure of the human face may be influenced by habitual breathing patterns and the resting position of the tongue, according to functional breathing expert Sol de la Torre. In a report by El Mundo, de la Torre explains that these unconscious habits play a significant role in determining craniofacial morphology.

The core of this perspective lies in the relationship between nasal breathing and the structural support provided by the tongue. De la Torre suggests that the way an individual breathes and the specific placement of the tongue within the oral cavity can lead to observable changes in the shape of the face.

This approach to health, often associated with functional breathing and orthotropics, posits that the tongue acts as a natural internal support system for the upper jaw, or maxilla. When the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth, it provides a constant, gentle outward pressure that helps maintain the width and forward growth of the dental arches.

The Impact of Tongue Posture

Proper tongue posture involves the entire surface of the tongue resting against the palate, rather than sitting at the bottom of the mouth. According to functional breathing practitioners, this posture is essential for the correct development of the midface.

When the tongue fails to support the palate, the maxilla may not expand sufficiently. This can lead to a narrower upper jaw, which often results in crowded teeth or a recessed chin. The lack of internal support effectively allows the cheeks to push the upper jaw inward, potentially altering the overall facial profile.

The connection between breathing and posture is symbiotic. Nasal breathing naturally encourages the tongue to stay on the roof of the mouth, as the mouth must remain closed to facilitate airflow through the nostrils.

Nasal Breathing versus Mouth Breathing

Chronic mouth breathing is often identified as a primary driver of negative facial changes. When an individual breathes through their mouth, the tongue must drop away from the palate to allow air to pass, removing the structural support necessary for the upper jaw.

Over time, this habit can contribute to a condition sometimes referred to in clinical literature as adenoid face. Characteristics of this pattern include a lengthened face, a narrower palate, and a downward tilt of the chin. These changes occur because the muscles of the face and the position of the jaw adapt to the open-mouth posture.

In contrast, nasal breathing is the biologically intended method of respiration. It not only supports the correct positioning of the tongue but also ensures that air is filtered, warmed, and humidified before reaching the lungs. This process is vital for maintaining the health of the respiratory system and optimizing gas exchange.

Broader Health Implications

The implications of breathing patterns extend beyond aesthetics. The shape of the face and the width of the airway are closely linked to systemic health. A narrow maxilla and a recessed jaw can reduce the space available for the airway, which is a contributing factor in the development of obstructive sleep apnea.

When the airway is constricted due to skeletal structure, the body may struggle to maintain consistent oxygen levels during sleep, leading to snoring and fragmented sleep patterns. Functional breathing experts argue that correcting breathing habits and tongue posture can help optimize the airway and improve overall respiratory efficiency.

While traditional orthodontics often focus on moving teeth using braces or aligners, the functional breathing approach emphasizes the underlying skeletal structure. The goal is to address the cause of dental crowding—the size and position of the jaw—rather than simply rearranging the teeth within a restricted space.

Sol de la Torre emphasizes that these habits are often unconscious, meaning many individuals are unaware that their breathing patterns are influencing their physical development. By bringing awareness to tongue placement and encouraging nasal respiration, practitioners aim to promote a more balanced facial structure and improved health outcomes.

The way we breathe and place the tongue inside the mouth can even change the shape of our face.

Sol de la Torre, via El Mundo