Upper Cervical Alignment and Oral Rest Posture: How Myofunctional Therapy Supports Airway Health

by Elisha Allred, Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist & Registered Dental Hygienist

Oral rest posture plays a vital role in breathing, sleep quality, jaw function, and overall airway health. The relationship between upper cervical alignment and oral rest posture is often overlooked, yet it plays a major role in how easily the tongue rests on the palate and how comfortably a person breathes through the nose.

Ideally, the tongue rests gently on the palate, the lips stay closed, and breathing occurs through the nose.

When this posture is difficult to maintain, the cause is often more than just weak muscles—it may be related to head and neck alignment, especially in the upper cervical spine.

At Lips Sealed Myofunctional Therapy, we take a whole-body approach. One area we pay close attention to is how upper cervical alignment influences tongue posture, breathing patterns, and muscle function.

What Is Upper Cervical Alignment and How Does It Affect the Airway and Oral Rest Posture?

The upper cervical spine consists of the top two vertebrae of the neck (C1 and C2), located directly beneath the skull. This area plays a key role in:

• Head and neck posture

• Neurological communication between the brain and body

• Airway size and breathing mechanics

• Muscle tone of the jaw, tongue, and face

Even small changes in upper cervical alignment can influence how the jaw sits, how the tongue rests, and how easily a person can maintain nasal breathing.

The Link Between Head Posture, Tongue Position, and Breathing

The tongue does not function independently—it responds to posture and balance. When the head shifts forward or the neck loses proper alignment, the body often compensates in ways that affect oral function.

Common patterns associated with poor cervical posture include:

• Forward head posture

• Increased jaw and neck tension

• A low or forward tongue position

• Mouth breathing, especially during sleep

• Difficulty maintaining lips closed at rest

When the airway feels compromised, the body prioritizes breathing over ideal oral rest posture, making consistent tongue-to-palate posture much harder to sustain.

Why Oral Rest Posture Matters for Airway and Jaw Health

Healthy oral rest posture supports:

• Nasal breathing and airway stability

• Balanced facial and jaw muscle activity

• Proper swallowing patterns

• Reduced strain on the TMJ

• Improved sleep quality

Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and face so these patterns become automatic. However, muscle retraining is most effective when the head and neck are well aligned.

Why Myofunctional Therapy and Upper Cervical Care Work Best Together

Myofunctional therapy addresses muscle function and coordination, while upper cervical care addresses alignment and neurological input. When combined, these approaches support long-term, stable results. This is why myofunctional therapy and airway health outcomes are often strongest when muscle retraining is supported by proper upper cervical alignment.

Benefits of combining myofunctional therapy with upper cervical care may include:

• Reduced neck, jaw, and floor-of-mouth tension

• Improved ability for the tongue to elevate and rest on the palate

• Better muscle coordination and endurance

• More comfortable nasal breathing

• Improved carryover of therapy exercises into daily life

In simple terms: Alignment supports function. Function helps maintain alignment.

A Team-Based Approach to Airway-Focused Care

For many children and adults—especially those with airway concerns, TMJ symptoms, chronic mouth breathing, or postural tension—a collaborative approach leads to the best outcomes.

This may include coordination between:

• Myofunctional therapy

• Upper cervical chiropractic care

• Airway-focused dental or orthodontic providers

• Physical therapy or craniosacral therapy

Each provider plays a unique role in supporting proper breathing, posture, and muscle balance.

Our Philosophy at Lips Sealed Myofunctional Therapy

At Lips Sealed Myofunctional Therapy, we believe that oral function reflects the whole body. If maintaining oral rest posture feels difficult despite good effort, it may not be a motivation issue—it may be a postural or structural barrier that needs support.

By combining myofunctional therapy with an awareness of upper cervical alignment, we help clients build patterns that feel natural, sustainable, and supportive of long-term airway health.

In Summary

Supporting upper cervical alignment and oral rest posture together allows breathing, posture, and muscle function to work in harmony rather than in compensation.

The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or dental condition. Content is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, or therapeutic advice. Individual needs and outcomes vary. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare providers regarding their specific concerns.