When a child grows, the initial symptoms of Tongue Tie may change its Form but never really disappear.
As an Airway Dentist and Myofunctional Therapist, we always strive towards helping our patients breathe and sleep better. Unfortunately, Tongue Ties drastically affect these two areas and they are among the first pillars of health to fall. Thus, begins the journey full of compensations and adjustments until the body gives up completely.
What is a Tongue Tie
Tongue tie (Ankyloglossia) is when a tiny string of tissue (Lingual Frenulum) underneath the Tongue connecting the Floor of the mouth is attached way too tight or is short in length restricting the tongue movements.
The restriction of tongue function due to Tongue Tie may affect Breastfeeding, sucking, swallowing, eating, speech, breathing, sleep, jaw growth, posture and even digestion.
What is a Lip Tie?
Lip Tie is when a similar band of tissue (Labial Frenulum) underneath the Lip is attached to the gums at a level way too high than normal.
Presence of Lip Tie may result in potential Breastfeeding issues, gap between the tie, short upper lip, gummy smile, unable to close the lip without strain, speech issues and cavities in the front teeth.
Untreated Tongue Ties/Lip Ties
Tongue Ties doesn’t allow the tongue to be resting on the palate(roof of the mouth) at rest. This may bring with it a plethora of symptoms.
Risk of Sleep Issues like Sleep Disordered Breathing or Sleep Apnea – Tongue Ties result in poor growth and development of the face causing a setback of the facial bones. This may in turn collapse the airway situated just at the back of the face. This may bring with it several sleep issues in adults.
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- Apart from this, Tongue Ties and Lip ties affecting overall oral rest posture affects the Vagal stimulation of the entire body.
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- Vagus is largest Cranial Nerve connecting the deeper organs of our body to the brain. Disturbance in the vagal pathway affects an Individual’s Digestion, Cardiac health, Metabolic health, Mood swings, Neurological balance etc.
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- Moreover, Poor Tongue Rest Posture disturbs the entire balance of the muscles of head, neck and below.
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- This may result in Jaw Joint issues, Headache, Lower back pain etc.
Untreated effects of Tongue Tie present itself like a DOMINO effect. The moment one pillar of development falls, it takes all the others along with it slowly. The very first pillar to fall is BREASTFEEDING.
| Adult Symptoms |
|---|
| ⦁ Mouth Breathing |
| ⦁ Heavy/Loud breathing while asleep |
| ⦁ Sleep Apnea |
| ⦁ Clenching and grinding teeth at night |
| ⦁ Slow eater or gulping down big chunks of food |
| ⦁ Frequent need of liquids during meals |
| ⦁ Shoulder or Neck Pain |
| ⦁ Jaw Joint (TMJ) issues |
| ⦁ Headaches |
| ⦁ Incorrect facial and Jaw development |
| ⦁ Incorrect swallow or Tongue Thrusting |
| ⦁ Crooked Teeth or Spacing between teeth |
| ⦁ Deep palate or collapsed jaws |
| ⦁ Deviated Nasal Septum/Nasal Polyps |
| ⦁ Speech Issues |
| ⦁ Digestive Issues – Gatsritis, Acid Reflux, IBS |
| ⦁ Cardiovascular Issues |
| ⦁ Metabolic disorders like Diabetes |
| ⦁ Obstructive Sleep Apnea |
| ⦁ Tightness in the chest |
| ⦁ Pronated feet |
| ⦁ Lower back pain |
| ⦁ Frequent cavities |
| ⦁ Mood disorders |
| ⦁ Anxiety |
| ⦁ Poor quality of life |
How do we address Tongue Ties issues in Adults
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- Since Tongue Ties bring with it a plethora of Sleep, Airway and Facial growth issues, it is very important that it is addressed from various dimensions. Based on a thorough history, clinical examination and severity of the condition, treatment is advised. Both anatomical and muscular issues are addressed simultaneously. Based on the severity, a Frenectomy may be advised.
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- Frenectomy is a completely safe procedure with minimal to no bleeding observed. Pre-op and Post-op work is required inorder to achieve a proper outcome.
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- A comprehensive Myofunctional Therapy to re-train the Muscle function is a Must. Apart from that, Orthodontic correction for high arched palate may be required in the form of expansion either conservative or surgical based on the sutural growth on CBCT, Frenectomy( based on severity), Physical Therapy and Breathing Re-training may also be required additionally owing to the compensations body must have gone through till date.
At Oraface, We are proud to have a collaborative team of like-minded professionals to help children sleep well-grow well and promote a healthy family, The First and Exclusive in Gujarat.
If you have any questions, write to us or you can schedule a consultation with us
