How does a tongue tie relate to a kiss? Tongue-tie is a condition that affects the mobility of the tongue. It occurs when the lingual frenulum, which is the band of tissue connecting the bottom of your tongue to the floor of your mouth, is short, thick or tight. You can check to see if this condition affects you by looking in a mirror and sticking your tongue out. People with this condition may have difficulty sticking their tongue out past their lips, moving their tongue from side to side, or even speaking clearly. They also often experience problems kissing.
Fortunately, there are treatments available for those who suffer from tongue-tie. The most common treatment is a procedure called a frenotomy, which involves cutting the lingual frenulum to loosen it and allow for more freedom of movement. Other treatments include speech therapy and exercises designed to help strengthen and improve tongue mobility. With proper treatment, people with tongue-tie can enjoy improved speech clarity and increased range of motion in their tongue, as well as an improved quality of life.
Tongue-Ties in Adults
Tongue-ties are a common condition. While tongue-ties are more commonly seen in infants, they can also occur in adults because they’re frequently overlooked in infancy and childhood despite often glaring symptoms. According to the Journal of American Dentistry, tongue-ties may occur in as much as 20 percent of the population.
Tongue-ties are more prevalent in boys/men than girls/women.
Symptoms of tongue-tie include:
- Difficulty sticking the tongue out past the lips
- Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side
- Speech issues, such as lisping or slurring words, that may persist into adulthood
- Difficulty eating certain foods, such as chewy meats or sticky candy, and even difficulty licking an ice cream cone
- A heart-shaped tongue when sticking it out
- A gap between the teeth when the mouth is closed
- Tooth decay because a restricted tongue cannot move food debris from between the teeth
- Sleep apnea, a breathing condition that causes interruption in breathing during sleep
Kissing Concerns
Kissing with a tongue-tie can be difficult and even painful, but it doesn’t have to be. With proper treatment and exercises known as myofunctional therapy, people with tongue-tie can improve their range of motion and enjoy a more comfortable kissing experience.
Myofunctional therapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses on improving the strength and mobility of the tongue. It involves exercises that help to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the tongue, as well as activities designed to improve coordination and range of motion. These exercises can help people with tongue-tie enjoy a more comfortable kissing experience by increasing their range of motion and allowing them to move their tongue more freely.
In conclusion, tongue-tie can make kissing difficult, but with proper treatment and exercises, people with tongue-tie can enjoy a more comfortable kissing experience. If you have a tongue-tie, or think you do, talk to us about your treatment options.
How Are Tongue-Ties Treated?
As mentioned above, tongue-ties are usually treated with a procedure called frenotomy, which involves cutting the lingual frenulum to loosen it and allow for more freedom of movement. This procedure is typically done in a doctor’s office or clinic and can be done under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort. After the procedure, patients may need to do exercises to help strengthen their tongue and improve range of motion. Speech therapy may also be recommended to help with any speech issues that have arisen due to the tongue-tie.
Now that you have the tools to treat your tongue-tie, it’s time to get ready for the perfect kiss. Here’s how:
The Perfect Kiss
Fresh Breath. The first step after making sure your tongue-tie is resolved is to make sure your breath is fresh. We recommend brushing and flossing your teeth before kissing. We also recommend that you see the dentist at least twice a year for checkups to make sure your teeth, gums and mouth are healthy. If you must freshen right before the big moment, we recommend sugar-free gum or mints.
Relax. Before you lean in for that big kiss, take a few deep breaths and relax your body. This will help to reduce any tension that may be present in your tongue or jaw muscles. Note: A tense jaw can contribute to the development of temporomandibular joint disorder.
Prep Your Lips. Get your lips ready for kissing by making sure they’re soft and supple. We recommend using lip balm and staying hydrated.
Most importantly, enjoy the moment and have fun!