Tongue Ties, Lip Ties, and Breathing Issues

Given that Dr. Amanda and Dr. Zak’s kids have all had tongue tie releases as infants, this is a passionate subject for the both of them. Both doctors perform lip and tongue tie releases on children (at least 2 years of age) and adults. We can refer you to our colleagues who perform releases on infants.

It is a quick procedure with a little local anesthetic. During the procedure, you will not feel a thing! We only use laser technology to make the releases, and 99% of the time there are no stitches.

The most important part of getting released is the aftercare. We will go over the “stretches” with you and your children so you can perform them at home. Because the mouth heals so quickly, these stretches are essential in order to increase mobility, and prevent the tissue from healing back to where it was before the release.

Tongue tie releases are a collaborative effort. Often times, a lip or tongue tie release comes hand in hand with other interventions such as speech therapy, myofunctional therapy, chiropractic therapy, ENTs, and ICBLCs. We are here to help you navigate through the proper course of treatment and direct you to the right professionals.

What is a Tongue Tie?

Tongue ties, or ankyloglossia, is when the strip of skin beneath the tongue (lingual frenulum) restricts its movement. It can significantly impact oral and facial development, making their resolution crucial in dentistry. Particularly in infants, this condition may interfere with breastfeeding and, as they age, hinder proper oral and facial growth.

Untreated tongue ties can lead to various dental issues. Restricted tongue movement may affect speech development, causing articulation problems. Additionally, the condition can contribute to malocclusion, where the teeth don’t align correctly, potentially leading to bite problems and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. The restricted tongue movement may also impede proper oral hygiene practices, increasing the risk of dental decay and gum disease.

Tongue ties can also influence facial development. The tongue plays a crucial role in guiding the growth of the jaws and maintaining the shape of the face. A restricted tongue can result in a high, narrow palate and improper alignment of the jaw bones, affecting facial aesthetics. This can lead to long-term consequences, impacting a person’s self-esteem and overall well-being.

Tongue ties can also significantly impact the development of the airway, leading to serious problems. The tongue plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal oral and facial anatomy, which, in turn, influences the airway’s structure and function.

A restricted tongue due to a tongue tie can contribute to mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing. This alteration in breathing patterns can lead to the improper development of the upper jaw and facial structures, potentially resulting in a high, narrow palates, particularly in child development. A constricted palate can compromise the size and patency of the airway, increasing the likelihood of airway issues such as snoring and sleep apnea later in life.

Moreover, tongue ties may affect the positioning of the tongue during sleep. In individuals with untreated tongue ties, the tongue may fall back into the throat, obstructing the airway and contributing to sleep-disordered breathing conditions. This can result in disrupted sleep, fatigue, and other health complications associated with sleep apnea.

Addressing tongue ties is crucial for preventing these airway-related problems, along with other developmental issues in dentistry. A frenectomy, the surgical procedure to release the tongue tie, can improve tongue mobility and allow for proper tongue posture. This, in turn, promotes nasal breathing and supports the development of a more open and adequately sized airway.

In summary, untreated tongue ties can interfere with proper airway development, leading to mouth breathing, constricted palates, and potential sleep-related breathing issues. Early identification and intervention, often involving a frenectomy, are essential in promoting optimal airway function and preventing associated health problems. Early intervention is particularly crucial, as it allows for optimal oral and facial development during the formative years. Dentists play a vital role in identifying and recommending treatment for tongue ties, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

Addressing tongue ties in dentistry is pivotal for promoting proper oral and facial development. Timely intervention can prevent a cascade of issues, from speech difficulties to malocclusion, safeguarding not only dental health but also overall well-being and confidence.

Tongue Ties in Children:

Breastfeeding Difficulties: Tongue ties can hinder proper latch and suckling during breastfeeding, affecting both the infant and mother.
Speech Development: Restricted tongue movement may contribute to speech impediments and articulation problems as the child grows.
Dental Issues: Tongue ties can lead to malocclusion, affecting tooth alignment, bite, and oral hygiene practices.
Facial Development: Influence on the growth of the jaws and facial structures, potentially leading to a high, narrow palate.
Airway Development: Tongue ties may contribute to mouth breathing, constricted palates, and increased risk of airway-related issues like snoring and sleep apnea.

Tongue Ties in Adults:

Speech Difficulties: Persistent speech issues may continue into adulthood if tongue ties are left untreated.
Dental Complications: Ongoing challenges with oral hygiene, potential for increased risk of dental decay and gum disease.
Facial Aesthetics: Impact on the shape of the face, potentially affecting self-esteem and overall facial appearance.
Airway Obstruction: Lingering airway-related problems, such as snoring and sleep apnea, may persist without intervention and cause Sleep Apnea.

Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues: Restricted tongue movement can contribute to jaw misalignment, potentially leading to TMJ problems.