Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in which a thin piece of tissue, called the lingual frenulum, is abnormally short or tight, restricting the tongue’s range of motion.
While it’s commonly diagnosed and treated in infants and children due to its impact on breastfeeding and speech development, some adults may also live with this condition for years without knowing it—or worse, they may experience lifelong difficulties but are unaware that tongue tie is the root cause.
The question arises: if you’re an adult and have tongue tie, is treatment still beneficial?
In this post, we’ll explore the impact of tongue tie in adulthood and why, in many cases, treating it can still bring significant improvements to your quality of life.
What Are the Symptoms of Tongue Tie in Adults?
Tongue tie is often perceived as a condition that only affects babies, but the truth is, many adults with tongue tie continue to suffer from its effects well into their adult years. Here are some common signs and symptoms that might indicate you have a tongue tie:
Speech Difficulties
Some adults may have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (like “r,” “l,” “t,” “s,” or “z”), leading to unclear speech or a speech impediment that they’ve dealt with since childhood. Others might find that they tire easily when speaking or struggle to project their voice.
Oral Hygiene Issues
A restricted tongue may make it difficult to clean food debris from teeth, leading to poor oral hygiene. This can result in cavities, gum disease, or bad breath due to the limited ability to clear plaque from the teeth.
Difficulty Chewing and Swallowing
Adults with tongue tie often experience difficulty chewing certain foods, swallowing, or even licking their lips. This can make meals an uncomfortable experience and may lead to digestive issues from improperly chewed food.
Jaw and Neck Pain
Because the tongue’s restricted movement affects the entire oral and facial structure, adults with tongue tie may also suffer from chronic jaw pain, headaches, or tension in the neck and shoulders. This is often the result of overcompensating with other muscles when speaking or eating.
Sleep Issues
Research has shown that some adults with tongue tie may be more prone to sleep apnea or snoring due to the altered tongue positioning during sleep. Restricted tongue movement can obstruct the airway, leading to disrupted sleep patterns.
Social and Emotional Impact
Living with a tongue tie can have social and emotional consequences, especially for adults who have endured years of speech issues, self-consciousness about eating in public, or even frustration from being misunderstood.
When Should an Adult Consider Tongue Tie Treatment?
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms and suspect that a tongue tie is contributing to your issues, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation. Although many people may have adapted to living with these challenges, treatment can still bring relief and improve both functional and emotional aspects of life.
Here are some situations where treatment may still be beneficial for adults:
Speech Difficulties Affecting Career or Social Life
If you’ve noticed that your speech issues are impacting your ability to communicate effectively at work or in social settings, it’s a sign that addressing the underlying tongue restriction could greatly enhance your speech clarity and confidence.
Chronic Pain or Discomfort
Lingual frenulum restrictions can lead to compensatory movements in the neck, jaw, and facial muscles, which might cause chronic pain in these areas. If you suffer from frequent headaches, jaw tension, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, it’s worth considering whether tongue tie surgery could help alleviate these symptoms.
Sleep Apnea or Snoring
Adults with tongue tie are at increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea because their restricted tongue may block airflow while they sleep. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or notice significant snoring issues, treatment of tongue tie could help open up your airway and improve sleep quality.
Difficulty with Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall wellness. If you find it difficult to keep your mouth clean due to restricted tongue movement, tongue tie treatment may help improve your ability to brush and floss effectively, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Emotional or Social Impact
Adults who have struggled with the challenges of tongue tie, whether it’s speech difficulties or eating in social settings, often feel a sense of relief and empowerment after treatment. It’s never too late to improve your quality of life and regain your confidence.
Tongue Tie Treatment Options for Adults
For adults considering treatment for tongue tie, two primary surgical options are available: frenotomy and frenectomy. Both are minimally invasive procedures that release the restricted frenulum, allowing for improved tongue mobility.
Frenotomy: This is a simple procedure that involves cutting the frenulum to release the tongue. It’s usually performed under local anesthesia and requires minimal recovery time.
Frenectomy: A frenectomy involves not only cutting the frenulum but also removing some tissue to prevent reattachment. This is typically recommended for more severe cases of tongue tie and may require a slightly longer recovery period.
At the Tongue Tie Laser Institute, we use advanced laser technology to perform these procedures with precision, reducing discomfort and promoting quicker healing. Laser surgery minimizes bleeding and swelling, and many patients can resume normal activities shortly after treatment.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery from tongue tie surgery is generally smooth and involves minimal discomfort. However, post-surgical care is crucial to ensure proper healing and prevent reattachment of the frenulum.
Myofunctional Therapy: Many adults benefit from working with a myofunctional therapist after surgery to help retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, and cheeks. This ensures proper movement and function of the tongue post-surgery.
Speech Therapy: If speech issues were a major concern, speech therapy may be recommended to help adjust to the newfound freedom of tongue movement and to correct long-standing speech patterns.
Oral Exercises: Your dentist or therapist may provide you with exercises to perform daily. These exercises help ensure the frenulum heals properly and remains flexible.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
If you’re an adult living with the challenges of tongue tie, it’s important to know that treatment is still highly beneficial—and it’s never too late to seek help.
The key is to understand how tongue tie is affecting your daily life, from speech and oral hygiene to chronic pain and sleep quality. By addressing these issues with the right treatment plan, you can experience significant improvements in your health and well-being.
At the Tongue Tie Laser Institute, we’re here to help you regain control of your oral health and quality of life. Our expert team specializes in laser frenectomy procedures that provide a comfortable and precise treatment option for adults.
If you believe you might have a tongue tie or have questions about treatment, contact us today for a consultation!