<![CDATA[Tongue posture and tongue thrust are functional components of the stomatognathic system that have been widely discussed in relation to craniofacial development during childhood and adolescence. Altered resting tongue position and atypical swallowing patterns are frequently described alongside variations in dental arch form, occlusion, and oral cavity morphology. A narrative synthesis of existing literature is required to clarify how these functional patterns are conceptualized within developmental and clinical contexts. This narrative review aims to explore how tongue posture and tongue thrust are discussed in the literature in relation to craniofacial development, focusing on descriptive patterns and reported variations across international studies. The reviewed literature describes tongue posture in association with dental arch configuration, palatal morphology, and orofacial muscular balance, while tongue thrust is commonly discussed alongside occlusal characteristics and jaw growth during developmental stages. Structural and functional aspects of the oral cavity are portrayed as interconnected, with substantial variability across studies reflecting differences in age, growth stages, and methodological approaches. This narrative review highlights consistent descriptive themes and notable heterogeneity in the literature addressing tongue-related functional patterns and craniofacial development. The findings support the use of non-causal interpretative frameworks and emphasize the value of integrative perspectives in future literature-based research.]]>
