A comprehensive meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 1,358 children examining how mouth breathing affects facial growth. Research found that mouth-breathing children showed backward and downward rotation of the mandible and maxilla, steeper occlusal planes, and significantly narrowed airways. Published in BMC Oral Health, 2021.

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Study of 18 adolescents with skeletal anterior open bite examining muscle activity patterns and the effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy. Results showed that abnormal swallowing patterns and weak masticatory muscles were associated with craniofacial dysmorphology, and three months of targeted OMT significantly improved muscle function and harmony. Published in BMC Oral Health, 2021.

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A cross-sectional study of 550 orthodontic patients (ages 6-50) examining tongue position and its relationship with various dentofacial skeletal patterns using a novel cephalometric analysis method. Participants were classified into different sagittal (Class I, II, III) and vertical skeletal patterns. The study developed a simplified approach to assess tongue position and investigate correlations with craniofacial development and dental alignment across different age groups. Published in BMC Oral Health, 2025.

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A study of 90 subjects examining the relationship between resting tongue posture (observed on lateral cephalometric radiographs) and sagittal jaw relationships (Class I, II, and III). Results showed no significant differences in resting tongue posture among different skeletal patterns, with moderate to weak correlation between tongue posture and dental arch widths. However, significant differences were found in intercanine and intermolar widths among the skeletal groups. Published in Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, 2019.

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A comprehensive review examining how the tongue supports the upper dental arch and encourages healthy development when resting against the roof of the mouth. The study discusses how incorrect tongue position can result in malocclusion over time, and explores the tongue’s morphogenetic function in forming dental arches and impacting maxillofacial development. The review also addresses the relationship between mouth breathing, tongue position, and craniofacial growth patterns. Published in PMC, 2024.

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An experimental study using five 12-week-old Yucatan minipig sibling pairs examining how tongue body volume reduction (15-17%) affects craniofacial skeleton and dental arch formation during rapid growth. The study utilized longitudinal cephalograms to track changes, providing insights into the interaction between tongue size/volume and craniofacial skeletal growth essential for understanding specific types of malocclusion. Published in Archives of Oral Biology, 2008.

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A systematic review examining eight databases for papers published between January 1965 and March 2011 to determine scientific evidence for orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) as an adjuvant to orthodontic treatment. Of 355 publications retrieved, only four met eligibility criteria. The findings demonstrate the scarcity of consistent studies and scientific evidence supporting the use of OMT combined with orthodontic treatment for correcting dentofacial disorders. Published in Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, 2014.

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A controlled study of 40 subjects (20 Class III and 20 Class I) examining tongue posture and its relationship with dentoalveolar morphology. Using three-dimensional digital models and lateral cephalograms, researchers found that Class III subjects demonstrated significantly lower tongue posture (greater tongue-to-palate distances) and distinct dentoalveolar characteristics including greater mandibular intermolar width and smaller maxillary intercanine widths. Results showed significant correlations between tongue posture and dental arch morphology. Published in European Journal of Orthodontics, 2013.

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A prospective, observational cross-sectional study of 80 subjects (40 Class I, 40 Class II) aged 18-30 years examining tongue morphology and its correlation with dental arch dimensions. The study measured key tongue parameters including tongue length, tongue height, tongue posture, and distance from the pharyngeal wall and lower incisors. Results analyzed the relationship between tongue measurements and mandibular arch length, arch width, and palatal height to understand how tongue anatomy influences craniofacial structures and orthodontic stability. Published in PMC, 2024.

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