Myospots, little helpers on the palate 

Myospots™ - little helpers on the palate

Myospots are small, soluble pastilles that support you in learning the physiological tongue rest position. Learn in the following text where the tongue should lie, why the tongue rest position is important and what effects can be observed if this can not be maintained. 

Where does the tongue lie at rest?

The tongue should already be in its resting position on the palate in the womb. The interaction between the tongue's natural muscle tone and slight negative pressure make this position possible. Ideally, the upper jaw provides enough space for the tongue to lie against the palate without touching the teeth.

Why is your tongue not on the roof of the mouth?

There can be various causes for the tongue not taking its natural place on the palate. I list some possible causes here, the list is not exhaustive and the causes should be clarified in each individual case:

• Sucking habits (pacifiers, thumbs, fingers, etc.)
• Hypotonia in the body
• Restrictive lingual frenulum
• Open mouth posture, obstructed airway -> mouth breathing
• Etc.

The Myospots stick to the palate where they dissolve completely after about an hour. The Myospots can be stuck several times a day, between meal breaks. Thus, the small pastilles offer a stimulus for the tongue to lie against the palate again and again for about an hour. By the simple application you are supported to develop from the conscious training of the tongue rest position to an unconscious action. 

What difficulties can arise in the absence of tongue rest?

Individuals who cannot maintain physiological/natural tongue rest suffer effects of varying severity. From articulation disorders to breathing cessations during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea syndrome). Thus, there is a spectrum of effects of a lack of tongue rest. It also takes years, often decades, to be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, so now is probably still early enough to start training the tongue.  Probably the most frequent effect of a missing tongue rest position or a wrong tongue rest position is a malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth). There is also not THE one malocclusion, but again there are different manifestations. It is best to talk to your orthodontist or dentist to assess the position of your teeth, or make an appointment with  you myofunctional therapist t to clarify whether your tongue is positioned correctly when at rest.

Effects of tongue rest on the rest of the body

The tongue consists of 8 paired muscles, which, like any other structure in our body, are surrounded by a layer of fascia. In particular, the tongue is connected to the toes via the anterior medial fascial chain. In various studies, science concludes that the tongue has a sometimes decisive effect on the posture and stability of the body. Thus, TMJ and/or posture problems may also be related to tongue position. 

How long does it take me to notice progress?

This always depends on how regularly the Myospots are applied. There are different numbers of how many correct movements are necessary to consider a movement as automated. In sports, one speaks of a number between 400 and 10,000 repetitions. So it takes a high number of repetitions until the correct movement is also considered automated in the brainstem. 

Once I can hold the tongue rest position, is that it?

By learning the correct tongue rest position on the palate, a lot is already done! Nevertheless, work should also be done on the physiological swallowing pattern and articulation. Swallowing exerts the most pressure against the teeth and oral structures. A healthy person swallows up to 2000 times per day. If the tongue exerts its force against the teeth during each of these 2000 swallows, the incorrect swallowing pattern sometimes has a major impact on the position of the teeth. 

Do you feel small mounds on the roof of your mouth? You should be able to feel them about 0.5 cm behind the incisors. In some people they are more noticeable, in others less so. These small hills are called papilla incisiva. This is where the tip of the tongue should be. If the mounds are very pronounced, the myospots may not adhere well. Then they can be glued just behind the grooves.

What are the myospots made of?

Myospots are sweetened with stevia, have natural colors and flavors, and are easy to use for both adults and children. However, Myospots should not be chewed or swallowed.

What can you do if the Myospot is swallowed by mistake?

The Myospot can stick to the esophagus when swallowed and cause discomfort. Try to eat something, normally it comes off and enters the stomach, where it dissolves by itself.

Composition:

Myospots are biodegradable and safe for human consumption. The spots consist of algae agar, xanthan gum, stevia, preservative: potassium sorbate, natural color and flavor.  No animal ingredients. No gelatin. No synthetic colors or flavors. Vegan and also Halal and Kosher friendly.