It’s not just babies and children that are affected by tongue-tie. There are some adults that have retained their tongue-tie into adulthood without correcting it because it never caused them any problems. However, it can slowly present issues over the course of one’s adult life. While you may have adapted to living with this condition, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Read on to learn more about tongue-tie in adults and why it should be treated.
What Are the Signs of Tongue-Tie in Adults?
The band of tissue connecting the bottom of your tongue to the floor of the mouth is called the lingual frenulum. In most people, this tissue is thin, allowing for a wide range of motion for your tongue. However, those experiencing tongue ties may have a short, thick, or tight lingual frenulum. It might even connect to the floor of the mouth at the tip of the tongue, restricting movement.
Because of limited tongue mobility, adults with tongue tie may have difficulty:
- Sticking the tongue out of the mouth past the lower front teeth
- Lifting the tongue up to touch the upper teeth
- Moving the tongue from side to side
- Performing everyday tasks (i.e., speaking, eating, drinking, breathing)
The Effects of Tongue-Tie on Adults
Believe it or not, a tongue tie can significantly affect your health and well-being in adulthood. Some common side effects include:
- Poor oral health. Having a tongue tie can diminish the ability to brush food debris off teeth and swallow completely. As a result, not being able to keep the mouth clean can lead to decay or gum inflammation.
- TMJ dysfunction. People with tongue-tie adapt to their condition by incorrectly swallowing. This can lead to several issues, including tooth misalignment and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
- Tongue-thrust. Adults with tongue-tie may develop a space between the lower bottom teeth because of tongue thrust. It can affect the health and alignment of other teeth in your mouth.
- Sleep apnea. Adapting to tongue-tie may cause breathing difficulties, leading to an increased risk of sleep apnea. This is because the chances of the upper airway collapsing during sleep are much higher.
Can Tongue-Tie in Adults be Treated?
Don’t worry – it’s never too late to seek treatment for tongue ties! Your doctor can help diagnose the condition and find a treatment plan that works best for you. A tongue-tie exercise is sometimes recommended for adults in hopes of reducing symptoms without surgery. These exercises can improve control over the tongue and correct maladaptive use of the tongue and mouth.
Alternatively, tongue-tie surgery (also known as a frenectomy) can be helpful. It involves cutting the lingual frenum, which is a quick and simple process. In cases where the lingual frenum is very thick, a more extensive surgery called a frenuloplasty may be necessary.
About the Practice
At Cleveland Tongue-Tie Center, we offer safe and gentle treatment to improve oral function for people of all ages. Our practice uses advanced technology and techniques to ensure every patient has a smooth sailing experience. If you’re an adult seeking treatment for a tongue tie, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can make an appointment via our website or call (216) 292-3600.