Tongue tie in adults is a condition that a lot of people may not understand. It is when the band of tissue beneath the tongue, called the lingual frenulum, is tighter than normal, which restricts movement and can make it difficult for some people to talk, eat and breathe. In most cases, tongue tie is diagnosed early in life and can be treated relatively easily with a simple procedure called a frenuloplasty. However, if left untreated, tongue tie in children can lead to speech and eating problems in adulthood, which is why it is important for parents to recognize the symptoms and get their children treated as soon as possible.
Diagnosing Adult Tongue Tie
Diagnosing tongue tie in children is relatively straightforward and can usually be done by a pediatrician or even by the parents. However, if tongue tie is not diagnosed and treated in childhood, the symptoms often become more noticeable in adulthood. These include difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or letters, difficulty swallowing and a noticeably shorter or more pointed tongue. An examination by a doctor or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist is usually necessary to make an official diagnosis of adult tongue tie.
The Impact of Adult Tongue Tie
Tongue tie in adults can have a number of negative effects on a person’s life. For some people, it can make it difficult to chew and swallow properly, which can lead to malnutrition and other health problems. It can also affect a person’s speech, causing them to slur or mumble when they speak. This can be a frustrating experience for an adult who is trying to communicate with others, and can even cause a person to avoid socializing in order to avoid speaking in public. Tongue tie can also make it difficult for a person to clear their throat properly, which can lead to chronic coughing and throat soreness.
Treatment for Adult Tongue Tie
Treatment for tongue tie in adults generally involves a simple surgical procedure called a frenuloplasty. This involves cutting the band of tissue that is restricting the movement of the tongue, in order to allow the tongue to move more freely. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and takes only a few minutes to complete. After the procedure, most people are able to go home the same day and can return to normal activities, including eating and speaking, within a few days.
Expert Advice from Dr. Tad Morgan
A skilled and experienced ear, nose and throat specialist is the best person to see if you suspect that you or your child may have tongue tie. According to Dr. Tad Morgan, a board-certified ENT surgeon, “Most people with tongue tie are able to live normal lives with few to no symptoms. However, for those who do experience symptoms, the good news is that the condition can usually be treated relatively easily with a simple surgical procedure. This can help to alleviate the symptoms and allow the person to live a more normal and healthy life.” Dr. Morgan also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment when it comes to tongue tie, saying that “the earlier tongue tie is diagnosed and treated, the easier it is to treat and the more likely it is to be successful”.
Conclusion
Tongue tie is a common condition in children that can have long-term effects if left untreated. It is important for parents to recognize the symptoms and get their child treated as soon as possible in order to prevent more serious problems from occurring. An ear, nose and throat specialist can make an accurate diagnosis of tongue tie in adults, and can offer a variety of treatment options to help alleviate the symptoms. If you or your child is experiencing difficulty with speech, eating or breathing, it is important to see a doctor in order to determine the underlying cause and get the necessary treatment.
In conclusion, Dr. Tad Morgan’s expert advice on the symptoms and treatment of tongue tie should be taken seriously in order to avoid more serious problems down the road.