Resting tongue position and its relation to the state of the dentition: a pilot study

The position of the resting tongue has been reportedly classified as normal or abnormal. The problems introduced by the abnormal tongue position relating to denture retention and stability have been sufficiently underlined. In the present study, the bibliography on the abnormal tongue position and its effect on denture function was reviewed. Additionally, the criteria for characterizing the tongue position as well the causes of the abnormalities, as reported in the literature, were discussed. Finally, a pilot epidemiological study was conducted, with the purpose to determine the incidence of the abnormal tongue position among edentulous patients as opposed to the dentate. The criteria used for the determination were criticized, and the mechanisms potentially leading to this habit were discussed. The findings indicate that the habit development is associated with the loss of natural teeth, therefore the mechanism relates to the functional and anatomical changes of the oral environment resulting from it. An epidemiological project has been designed, with the purpose of uncovering the associations between the observed tongue position and certain functional and anatomical features, as suggested by the present study.