The Influence of the Tongue on the Development of Dental Malocclusion

The tongue supports the upper dental arch and encourages healthy dental arch development when it rests against the roof of the mouth. On the other hand, over time, malocclusion can result from incorrect tongue position, such as lying low in the mouth or thrusting forward during swallowing or speaking. As a muscular organ, the tongue applies forces to the jaws and teeth that may help with malocclusion or hinder it from aligning properly. The dentition and jaws grow and align according to the way the tongue, teeth, and surrounding structures interact. The tongue's morphogenetic function includes forming the arches and having an important impact on the maxillary complex's development. The tongue frequently assumes a balancing and compensatory function in subsequent phases, functioning more or less like a natural orthodontic bite. In adults, the tongue is able to compensate for problems like open bites, teeth that are out of alignment, or differences in the occlusal and sagittal planes of the spine. In this context, the tongue's ability to sustain occlusion during malocclusion can be considered a compensatory response. This is comparable to how lingual dysfunction may contribute to malocclusion or act as a potential source of recurring orthodontic instability. In order to diagnose and treat orthodontic issues, dental professionals must know the connection between tongue position and dental malocclusion. Malocclusion can be prevented or minimized with early intervention, such as myofunctional therapy to correct tongue position and habits, improving dental health and well-being overall.