Abstract: Objective To observe whether the tongue muscle functional training can decrease the tongue retraction and improve the retention of mandibular complete denture. Methods Thirty edentulous patients with tongue retraction were selected. The complete dentures were manufactured with biofunctional prosthetic system（BPS） technique, additionally with 3 resin tubers, 5 mm wide and 2 mm high, on the mandibular labial polishing surface with an interval of 10 mm. Patients were instructed to lick the resin balls with the tip of their tongue before breakfast, lunch, dinner and going to bed. They were asked to maintain the action for 3 seconds, then relax, repeating 10-12 times/min, 10 minutes each time for 2 weeks. Results After the tongue muscle functional training, the distance from the tip of the tongue to the alveolar crest of the anterior mandibular was reduced from （28.2±5.8）mm (before training) to （18.1±7.3）mm; the score of patients′ satisfaction with retention increased from 7.2±1.1 (before training) to 8.1±1.4, both with significant statistical difference (P<0.01). Conclusion The tongue muscle functional training can decrease the tongue retraction and improve patients satisfaction with retention of mandibular complete denture.

Key words: muscle functional training, tongue retraction, edentulous jaw