Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition that has gained more attention in recent years as healthcare professionals recognize its far-reaching effects beyond just breastfeeding difficulties. 

This condition occurs when the lingual frenulum, the thin band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short, tight, or thick. This condition can restrict tongue movement, leading to a variety of challenges in infants, children, and even adults.

While tongue-tie is often associated with feeding issues in infants and speech difficulties in children, its impact on breathing is a lesser-known but significant concern. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between tongue-tie and breathing, the potential consequences of untreated tongue-tie, and why early intervention is crucial for overall health and well-being.

Understanding the Anatomy: How Tongue-Tie Affects Breathing

The tongue plays a crucial role in various functions, including speech, swallowing, and breathing. Proper tongue posture involves the tongue resting against the roof of the mouth, which helps maintain an open airway and supports proper breathing patterns. 

When a person has a tongue-tie, the restricted tongue movement can interfere with this natural posture, leading to compromised airway function.

Here are some ways tongue-tie can affect breathing

Mouth Breathing

Individuals with tongue-tie often develop a habit of mouth breathing due to their inability to position their tongue properly against the roof of the mouth. 

Mouth breathing can lead to a cascade of issues, including dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease, and can also contribute to improper development of the facial structure in children.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Tongue-tie has been linked to sleep-disordered breathing conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to repeated pauses in breathing. 

The restricted tongue movement in tongue-tie can cause the tongue to fall back into the throat during sleep, contributing to airway obstruction.

Impaired Nasal Breathing

The tongue’s position in the mouth influences nasal airflow. When the tongue is restricted, it can lead to difficulty in achieving proper nasal breathing. 

Nasal breathing is essential for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe, and it also plays a role in producing nitric oxide, a gas that helps to dilate blood vessels and improve oxygen exchange in the lungs.

Facial Development Issues

Tongue-tie can affect the growth and development of the jaw and facial structure in children. 

The tongue exerts pressure on the roof of the mouth, which influences the development of the upper jaw. If the tongue is restricted, it may lead to a high, narrow palate and a smaller airway, which can contribute to breathing difficulties.

Potential Consequences of Untreated Tongue-Tie

The consequences of untreated tongue-tie can extend beyond immediate feeding or speech concerns and can have long-term implications for overall health, particularly in relation to breathing. Some of the potential consequences include:

Speech and Swallowing Issues

Tongue-tie can lead to difficulties with speech and swallowing, which may persist into adulthood if not addressed. These issues can affect a person’s confidence and quality of life, as well as their ability to communicate effectively.

Developmental Concerns

The tongue’s restricted movement can affect a child’s oral motor development, which plays a crucial role in speech, feeding, and overall oral health. Additionally, the structural changes in the face and jaw due to tongue-tie can lead to issues that may require orthodontic treatment or even surgical intervention later in life.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Tongue-tie is more than just a minor inconvenience—it can have far-reaching effects on a person’s health, particularly in relation to breathing. The restricted tongue movement associated with tongue-tie can lead to chronic mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, and other issues that can impact overall well-being. 

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to preventing these long-term consequences and ensuring that individuals with tongue-tie can breathe, speak, and eat properly.

If tongue-tie is identified early, particularly in infancy, a simple procedure known as a frenectomy can be performed to release the restricted frenulum and allow for proper tongue movement. This procedure can significantly improve breastfeeding, reduce the risk of developing breathing issues, and support healthy oral and facial development.

For older children and adults, a multidisciplinary approach may be necessary to address the various issues associated with tongue-tie. This may include working with a pediatric dentist, an orthodontist, a speech therapist, and an orofacial myofunctional therapist to ensure that all aspects of the condition are addressed.

If you suspect that you or your child may have a tongue-tie, it’s important to seek evaluation and treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. 

At the Tongue Tie Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tongue-tie and other oral restrictions to support optimal health and well-being. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.