It wasn’t long ago that tongue ties were mostly talked about in relation to babies and young children, with pediatricians and dentists on the lookout for this abnormality and often recommending a procedure known as a frenotomy to correct the problem. However, as awareness of tongue ties has grown, it’s becoming increasingly clear that individuals of all ages, including adults, can be affected by this condition. Dr. Tad Morgan, a leading authority on tongue ties, is here to help provide a guide for identifying signs of tongue tie in adults.
What is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie is a condition where the frenulum, a band made of muscle, tissue, and connective fibers that keeps the tongue connected to the floor of the mouth, is too tight or short. As a result, the tongue’s range of motion is limited. The medical term for this condition is ankyloglossia. It’s thought that tongue ties are present in 4 to 11% of babies, and that it’s much more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls, although the reasons for this are unclear. Most tongue tie cases clear up on their own within the first three months of life, but in some cases, they persist, and can even cause problems for adults.
What are the Symptoms of Tongue Tie in Adults?
Many adults with tongue ties don’t realize they have it, as they may be asymptomatic or the issue may present in a mild form. However, there are some telltale signs of tongue tie that adults should keep an eye out for. These include:
Persistent Speech Problems:
Sometimes, tongue tie can cause adults to have difficulty pronouncing words or articulating certain sounds. This is because the tongue, which usually moves freely and easily, may be tethered too tightly to the floor of the mouth. Speech problems can manifest as difficulty pronouncing certain vowels or consonants, as well as trouble speaking clearly or fluently.
Jaw Pain:
Many people with tongue ties also experience chronic pain or discomfort in the jaw. This is because the restricted movement of the tongue may force the muscles in the lower jaw to overcompensate, leading to tension and pain. Smoking, drinking red wine excessively, and certain foods can also exacerbate the pain of having a tongue tie.
Breathing Problems:
In severe cases, where the tongue tie is significantly restricting the airway, breathing problems may result. These can manifest as snoring, difficulty breathing through the nose, and trouble staying asleep throughout the night. These symptoms may be even more severe for those who suffer from sleep apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.
Difficulty Managing Solid Foods:
Adults with tongue ties may find it difficult to eat or manage certain foods. This is because the tongue’s movement is restricted, and even seemingly simple tasks like swallowing solid foods can be uncomfortable or challenging.
What Can Be Done for Adults with Tongue Ties?
For adults who have persistent symptoms of tongue tie, Dr. Morgan recommends seeking treatment. Though a frenotomy— a simple, in-office procedure to sever the frenulum —is often the main treatment for tongue tie in babies and young children, the procedure can also be effective in adults. It can help alleviate jaw pain, make speaking easier, and open up the airway; however, for some people, there may be side effects like pain or bleeding. In these cases, other options like physical therapy to help with swallowing and speaking are available, as well as orofacial myofunctional therapy, which can help restore normal function to the tongue and surrounding structures.
How to Recognize and Treat Tongue Ties in Adults: Dr. Tad Morgan’s Recommendations
Making adults with tongue ties aware of their condition and recognizing the signs are important for improving their quality of life. Lookout for symptoms like speech problems, jaw pain, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems. If symptoms point to the possibility of a tongue tie, seeking an evaluation and treatment is recommended. Dr. Morgan can work with adults to create a customized treatment plan that can help them finally overcome the symptoms of their tongue tie.
Ultimately, when it comes to tongue ties, it’s important to recognize that it’s a condition that can affect anyone, no matter their age. Dr. Morgan’s tips and recommendations can help people learn to recognize the signs of tongue tie in adults and take the necessary steps to seek treatment and improve their quality of life.