Master Your Tongue’s Secret Power: Unlocking the Spot Position for Better Health

The Power of Consistency in Myofunctional Therapy

What Is the Spot Position and Why Does It Matter?

Have you ever wondered why some people breathe effortlessly, have well-aligned teeth, and avoid common oral issues like snoring or speech difficulties? The secret may lie in their tongue posture - specifically, in mastering the Spot position.
The Spot position refers to the correct resting posture of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. This simple yet powerful position plays a crucial role in:
  • Improving nasal breathing
  • Enhancing swallowing patterns
  • Supporting facial development and dental alignment
  • Preventing mouth breathing and snoring
  • Boosting speech clarity and muscle coordination
Whether you’re a parent looking to help your child develop proper oral habits or an adult struggling with sleep-disordered breathing or TMJ pain, training your tongue to find the Spot position could be life-changing!

How to Find the Spot Position

Locating the Spot is easy, and once you train your tongue to rest there, it can significantly improve your breathing, swallowing, and oral function.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Spot:

1️. Say “N” and notice where your tongue naturally touches behind your upper front teeth. 

2. That small ridge behind the upper teeth, called the alveolar ridge, is your Spot!

3. Your tongue tip should rest gently on this area, with the mid and back tongue slightly elevated toward the palate.

4. Keep your lips sealed and breathe through your nose.

Pro Tip: Try keeping your tongue in the Spot position while watching TV or reading to help train muscle memory.

Why Is the Spot Position Important?

Mastering the Spot position is essential for overall oral and airway health. Here’s how it makes a difference:

1. Encourages Nasal Breathing (No More Mouth Breathing!)
🚫 Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, sleep apnea, and poor oxygen intake.
✅ The Spot position seals the mouth, promotes nasal breathing, and helps prevent snoring and sleep-disordered breathing.
2. Improves Swallowing Patterns
🚫 Incorrect tongue posture can cause tongue thrusting, which impacts swallowing and speech.
✅ When the tongue rests in the Spot position, it moves food properly toward the throat, preventing choking or misdirected swallowing.
3. Supports Proper Facial & Jaw Development
🚫 Poor tongue posture can contribute to narrow palates, misaligned teeth, and an elongated face structure.
✅ The Spot position guides facial growth, promotes jaw stability, and reduces orthodontic relapse.
4. Enhances Speech Clarity
🚫 Tongue placement affects how we pronounce certain sounds like “L,” “T,” and “D.”
✅ Keeping the tongue on the Spot trains muscles for better articulation and clearer speech.
5. Prevents TMJ Pain & Teeth Grinding
🚫 Low tongue posture can lead to jaw tension, teeth grinding (bruxism), and TMJ disorders.
✅ The Spot supports the jaw’s natural position, relieving pressure and reducing pain.

How to Train Your Tongue to Stay on the Spot

Consistency is key! Here are simple exercises to help build tongue muscle strength and make the Spot position a natural habit:
  • Spot Hold Exercise: Place your tongue on the Spot and hold for 5-10 seconds, repeating 10 times a day. 
  • Clicking Exercise: Keep your tongue on the Spot and suction it against the palate, making a clicking sound - this strengthens tongue elevation.
  • Swallowing Practice: Try swallowing without pushing your tongue forward - this reinforces correct swallowing patterns.

How Learn Myo Can Help

Training the tongue for the Spot position takes time, but the right guidance can make all the difference. Learn Myo provides fun, engaging video exercises to help patients:

  • Strengthen their tongue posture and swallowing patterns
  • Improve nasal breathing and sleep quality
  • Track daily progress with therapist support

Ready to retrain your tongue and improve your health?
Find your Therapist and start using Learn Myo’s guided exercises to unlock the full benefits of the Spot position!