When the Bed Doesn’t Fit: What Your Dog Can Teach You About Tongue Posture

Have you ever watched a big dog try to curl up in a bed that’s just too small? They might squeeze their body into it as best they can, but often their head ends up hanging off the side, searching for comfort on a nearby pillow or blanket. The bed is supposed to provide support—but when it doesn’t fit, it can’t do its job properly. That image is cute (and a little funny), but it’s also the perfect way to understand what happens when your tongue doesn’t fit in your jaw.  

The Jaw as the Tongue’s Bed

Your jaw is designed to be the resting place—the “bed”—for your tongue. When the jaw develops fully, the tongue fits comfortably inside, resting gently against the roof of the mouth. From that position, the tongue can do its job: support healthy breathing, swallowing, speech, and even facial development. But when the jaw is too small or narrow, it’s just like that undersized dog bed. The tongue doesn’t have enough room. Instead of resting where it belongs, it “hangs out” in less-than-ideal spots: Pushed forward against the teeth Hanging low in the mouth Crowding the airway during sleep This mismatch can lead to problems like crooked teeth, mouth breathing, snoring, poor sleep, and jaw discomfort.

How Myofunctional Therapy “Upgrades the Bed”

Here’s where myofunctional therapy makes a difference. Just as your dog needs a bigger bed to sleep comfortably, your tongue needs enough space and proper muscle training to rest where it belongs. Through a series of targeted exercises and guidance, myofunctional therapy:

Trains the tongue and oral muscles to find their healthiest posture

Encourages proper jaw growth and development in children

Supports adults in improving airway health, TMJ function, and dental stability

Reduces symptoms like teeth grinding, mouth breathing, and poor sleep

Over time, the tongue learns to “snuggle into” its proper position—creating a foundation for better health and function.

A Simple but Powerful Lesson

Next time you see your dog resting with their head on a pillow outside of a too-small bed, remember: comfort and function depend on fit. Your tongue deserves the same. With the right support, it can finally rest where it belongs—bringing balance back to your whole system! 

Want to learn more about how myofunctional therapy could help you or your child? Contact Myofunctional Therapy of Kansas today to schedule your free consultation.