Many babies are born with tongue-tie, which is a condition that restricts movement of the tongue. It is generally associated with children – but what about adults? Can they suffer from a tongue-tie as well? And if so, what kinds of symptoms will it cause? How can it be treated? The answers to all of these questions can be found below.
What Exactly is a Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie involves the frenulum, which is a band of tissue that keeps the bottom of the tongue connected to the floor of the mouth. If the frenulum is too short, thick, or tight, it can stop the tongue from moving as freely as it should. In children, this can lead to difficulties while bottle-feeding or breastfeeding.
Can Adults Have Tongue-Tie?
The short answer is yes. If a tongue-tie isn’t treated early in life, it can persist into adulthood. How much of an issue this is can vary from case to case. Some people are able to live with tongue-tie without any major problems, but others may have more difficulty than normal with everyday tasks like speaking, eating, drinking, kissing, or even breathing.
How Can You Tell If You Have Tongue-Tie?
Do you find it hard to stick your tongue out beyond the lower front teeth? If you try to touch your upper teeth with your tongue, can you only lift it halfway or less? When you stick out your tongue, does it look heart-shaped? These are all possible signs that you have a tongue-tie.
A restricted tongue can have more of a negative impact on your health than you might realize. Adults with tongue-tie often have a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease; the tongue usually helps get rid of the food debris that can lead to dental problems, but it can’t do this job as effectively when its movement is restricted.
The condition may also contribute to breathing problems, which can include snoring and sleep apnea. Finally, a tongue-tie can affect the function of the jaw, thus potentially leading to a painful TMJ disorder as well as digestion issues linked to inadequate chewing.
How Can Tongue-Tie Be Treated in Adults?
No matter what the patient’s age is, a tongue-tie can be treated with a relatively simple procedure called a frenectomy. This involves releasing an overly restrictive frenulum so that the tongue is granted greater freedom of movement.
A frenectomy can be performed with a soft tissue laser, which typically causes very little discomfort; in fact, it may not even be necessary to numb the mouth first. The treatment is typically very quick and can often be completed in just one visit in a matter of minutes. There is also no major downtime or recovery routines to worry about.
Do you suspect that you have been living with a tongue-tie? If so, you should talk to your dentist about it. They can help confirm whether you have the condition and, if necessary, work with you to determine the best way to treat it.
About the Author
Dr. Amanda Hyland is the lead dentist at Hyland Dental in Mankato. She earned her dental degree at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She’s happy to welcome patients of all ages, and she’s able to offer frenectomies for individuals who are suffering from tongue-tie. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hyland, visit her website or call (507) 387-3249.