As children grow and mature, their oral health needs change. One common oral health concern among teenagers is tongue tie. 

While tongue tie is often diagnosed in infancy, it can persist into adolescence and cause a range of problems.

What is Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie occurs when the frenulum, the thin piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, is too short or tight. This can limit the tongue’s range of motion, making it difficult to speak, eat, and swallow properly. It can also contribute to a variety of other issues, including speech difficulties, jaw pain, and poor oral hygiene.

What is the difference between Tongue Tie impacts on children and on teenagers?

The impacts of tongue tie can differ between children and teenagers due to the changes in oral development that occur during these stages. In children, tongue tie can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding, speech, and overall oral health. As they grow and develop, the impacts of tongue tie may shift towards issues with dental hygiene and oral function.

In teenagers, tongue tie can have a more significant impact on social and emotional development. The inability to properly pronounce certain sounds or participate in activities such as playing musical instruments or singing can lead to self-consciousness and a lack of confidence. This can negatively impact their social interactions and overall well-being.

What are the impacts of Tongue Tie on teenagers?

In teenagers, tongue tie can also impact their social lives. Adolescents with tongue tie may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their difficulties, which can affect their confidence and relationships with peers.

These are the main impacts of tongue tie on teenagers:

1. Speech impediments: Teenagers with tongue tie may struggle with certain speech sounds, such as “th,” “r,” and “l.” This can lead to communication difficulties and social anxiety.
2. Difficulty eating: Tongue tie can make it difficult for teenagers to eat certain foods, particularly those that require a lot of tongue movement, such as raw vegetables or tough meats.
3. Dental problems: Teens with tongue tie may have a higher risk of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and misaligned teeth. This is because the restricted tongue movement can make it harder to properly clean the teeth and gums.
4. Sleep apnea: In some cases, tongue tie can contribute to sleep apnea, a condition in which a person stops breathing for short periods during sleep. This can lead to daytime sleepiness, mood changes, and other health problems.
5. Jaw and facial development: Tongue tie can affect the development of the jaw and face, leading to issues such as a small lower jaw or a narrow palate. This can affect not only the appearance of the face, but also the ability to breathe and eat properly.

Fortunately, effective treatment options such as laser frenectomy are available to address these concerns and help teenagers achieve optimal oral health and confidence.

It’s important for teenagers with tongue tie to receive proper treatment to prevent these issues from worsening and impacting their quality of life. A dentist or healthcare provider experienced in treating tongue tie can provide individualized treatment to address these specific effects.

Treatment Options for Tongue Tie

If you suspect that your teenager may have tongue tie, it’s important to seek professional help from a qualified dentist or healthcare provider. Early intervention can prevent long-term consequences and help teenagers achieve optimal oral health and overall well-being.

Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available for teenagers with tongue tie. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry’s Tongue Tie Institute, we offer laser frenectomy procedures to release the tongue tie and restore proper tongue function. This minimally invasive procedure can be performed quickly and with minimal discomfort, allowing teenagers to return to their normal activities soon after.

If you suspect that your teenager may have tongue tie, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team of experienced professionals at Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry’s Tongue Tie Institute is here to help them get the care they need to live a happy and healthy life.