Pilates SelfCare Saturday: Connection Between Teeth, Tongue, and Hormones

Close-up of teeth showing how bite alignment may influence cranial and hormonal balance.

As Pilates teachers, we often remind clients that the body is a connected system. What happens in one area rarely stays there. We usually think of posture in terms of the spine, shoulders, or pelvis, but the mouth and jaw also play a part in how the rest of the body functions. Some new conversations in health suggest that the way the teeth, tongue, and bite align could influence not only posture but even hormonal balance.

Why the Mouth Matters: The upper jaw and teeth are not isolated structures. They sit close to the base of the skull, supported by bone and soft tissue that links into the wider cranial system. Near this area is the pituitary gland, which acts as the body’s hormonal control centre. The idea is that if the bite is uneven, it creates a chain reaction of tension that travels into the skull and may affect how this gland functions.

Tongue Posture and Jaw Alignment: The tongue is often overlooked in discussions about alignment. When it rests against the roof of the mouth, it supports the upper jaw. When it drops, the jaw can narrow and the teeth are left to absorb more force. Over time, this extra strain may show up as grinding, shifting, or misalignment.

From Jaw to Whole Body An uneven bite doesn’t only affect the teeth. Pressure may travel upwards, creating a slight twist in the cranial system. In Pilates we are used to looking at how imbalance in one joint shifts load into another. Think of how a tilted pelvis changes the pattern in the knees and feet. The same principle applies here, but closer to the head and neck.

Possible Hormonal Effects: When cranial tension builds near the area around the pituitary gland, signals can become disrupted. Teachers don’t diagnose or treat hormone issues, but it is useful to be aware of how oral and cranial posture may link to energy levels, fatigue, or stress.

What Teachers Can Do

• Observe clients for jaw tension, grinding, or clenching.

• Encourage awareness of tongue position, as part of overall posture.

• Use Pilates to promote balanced alignment from head to toe, which indirectly reduces strain on the cranial system.

• Remind clients that posture is not only about the spine but includes the way the head, jaw, and even the teeth are held.

Closing Thought: Pilates is about creating balance. While more research is needed before we fully understand how teeth and hormones connect, the principle remains: alignment matters. By guiding clients to move with awareness and balance, we support not only muscles and joints but also the systems that depend on them.