Orofacial myologists often use the symbol of the lips closed to promote the concept of correct orofacial resting posture. When the lips are closed the person is nasally breathing, thus receiving better oxygenation for their body. The health benefits don’t stop there, however. The air is perfectly filtered, warmed and moisturized so that the body receives nearly 20% more oxygen than mouth breathing. Nitric oxide is also produced in the nose which acts as a vasodilator (think lower blood pressure and heart rate) and also kills bacteria and disrupts the cell membranes of viruses preventing replication. With this better oxygenation your brain is better able to think, your exercise tolerance goes up and your facial development is enhanced.

Mouth breathing depletes carbon dioxide because you breathe too fast for optimal oxygen exchange in the blood stream. This causes the blood pH to increase and leads to respiratory alkalosis. A high blood alkaline level is detrimental to the nervous system, depletes muscles of oxygenation, creates increased pain and trigger point perception, raises the chance of asthma, and lowers blood oxygen levels. Mouth breathers do not get quality sleep, often snore and suffer from daytime sleepiness and exacerbates stress. In children this can present as hyperactivity, just to stay awake to learn.

Lips together also promote the tongue on the palate. This is essential for good homeostasis of the human body. Endorphins are released by the pressure of the tongue on the palate promoting the feel-good vibes. The palate is also a source of balance with the tongue pressure and aids in our well-being and stability. Cranial flexion from swallowing helps move the cerebral-spinal fluid from the brain and up and down the spinal cord along with diaphragmatic breathing. Good palatal tongue rest posture and cranial flexion also optimize growth and development of our children. If your tongue is sitting on the bottom of your mouth, the cheek muscles will place a greater strain on the developing jaws and they will grow more narrow. This creates a buck-tooth appearance, crooked, crowded teeth and jaws that sit too far back, making easy breathing difficult because the tongue obstructs the throat and airway.

Closed lips also have societal and financial implications. Often the mouth breather also has an elongated face with turned out ears and droopy eyes. These are craniofacial growth issues that frequently occur with the jaw and lips open. Periodontal disease, tooth decay and speech issues frequently accompany these conditions. Nasal breathers have better developed oral and facial features, are more alert since they sleep better and think easier and also have better posture because they do not have their head forward in order to mouth breath.
Orofacial myologists are able to address the rest position of the lips and tongue, and help with breathing issues, among other things. Thus the term “Lip Boss”. It is the purpose of this site to provide insight into these areas and more to practitioners and patients alike.