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Many people think of tongue tie as a problem affecting only babies, but adults can also experience the restrictive symptoms caused by a tongue tie.
This small, yet significant band of tissue can impact essential functions like speaking, eating, and even breathing.In this blog, you will learn what a tongue tie looks like in adults, how it might be affecting your quality of life, and what to expect from tongue-tie release surgery.
Table of Contents
- How Do I Know if I Have a Tongue Tie?
- What Does a Tongue Tie Look Like in Adults?
- How Is a Tongue Tie Diagnosed?
- Impact of Tongue Tie on Daily Life
- Treatment for Tongue Tie in Adults
- Tongue-Tie Release Surgery: What to Expect
- Aftercare and Recovery
- Trust the Experts at Oral Facial and Implant Specialists
Key Takeaway
The signs of tongue tie in adults are speech difficulties, jaw pain, neck tension, restricted tongue movement, and oral health issues. If you experience any of these signs, it is time to consult with an oral surgeon to explore treatment options.
How Do I Know if I Have a Tongue Tie?
If you experience jaw pain, speech difficulties, or find certain foods hard to eat, a tongue tie could be to blame.
Many adults with tongue ties notice limited tongue movement, speech impediments, or a “pulling” sensation.
What to look for
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you struggle to reach your upper teeth with your tongue?
- Is there tension in your neck and jaw that does not ease up?
- Are certain speech sounds difficult to form, even after speech therapy?
- Do you experience frequent mouth breathing or sleep interruptions?
If you answered “yes” to several of these, it may be time to consider if a tongue tie is impacting your daily life.
What Does a Tongue Tie Look Like in Adults?
A tongue tie, or “lingual frenulum,” is a small piece of connective tissue connecting the bottom of your tongue to the floor of your mouth.
In adults, this tissue may appear as a band that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. A restricted tongue tie can lead to:
- Jaw pain
- Speech issues
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay
Symptoms of Tongue Tie in Adults
The signs of a tongue tie may not be immediately obvious, yet they can have a significant effect on your comfort and health. Adults with tongue ties often experience:
- Physical symptoms
- Limited tongue mobility or range of motion
- Jaw, neck, and shoulder tension
- Breathing difficulties and mouth breathing
- Restricted eating, chewing, and swallowing
- Oral health symptoms
- Frequent cavities due to restricted saliva flow, can make it harder to naturally wash away food particles and bacteria
- Gum inflammation and gum disease—since saliva flow is restricted, your teeth and gums may miss out on the protective benefits of saliva, leading to an increased risk of decay and cavities
- Misaligned or crooked teeth
- Speech and communication
- Trouble with certain speech sounds
- History of speech therapy without resolution
- Difficulty playing wind instruments
- Sleep and energy issues
- Daytime sleepiness from poor sleep quality
- Possible signs of sleep apnea due to restricted airway
These signs may seem unrelated at first, but they all trace back to how a restricted tongue can impact your body’s natural functions.
Causes of Tongue Tie in Adults
Most cases of tongue tie begin at birth.
However, some adults may not realize they have it until they experience dental issues, speech delays, or physical discomfort in adulthood. The cause is often a tight or short lingual frenulum that restricts the tongue’s movement.
How Is a Tongue Tie Diagnosed?
To diagnose a tongue tie, a dental specialist will examine your tongue’s range of motion and check for signs of tight connective tissue.
They may ask you to perform movements like touching the roof of your mouth with your tongue or sticking your tongue out as far as possible.
Impact of Tongue Tie on Daily Life
A tongue tie can have subtle but lasting effects on daily life, including:
- Eating and digestion: Tongue ties can make it hard to chew and swallow, leading to slow eating and potential digestive discomfort.
- Speech and communication: Limited tongue movement affects speech clarity and may cause you to feel self-conscious.
- Breathing and sleep: Mouth breathing and interrupted breathing patterns can contribute to sleep disorders, including sleep apnea.
- Oral hygiene: Difficulty cleaning all surfaces of your teeth may lead to frequent cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Treatment for Tongue Tie in Adults
The most effective treatment for adult tongue tie is a tongue-tie release, also known as a frenectomy.
This is a simple, minimally invasive surgical procedure that can free the tongue’s movement and improve various aspects of oral function.
Tongue-Tie Release Surgery: What to Expect
At our oral surgery office, we make the tongue-tie release (frenectomy) procedure as smooth and comfortable as possible.
The procedure is quick—typically taking 30 minutes or less—and is done with local anesthesia to ensure you are relaxed and pain-free. If needed, we can also use nitrous oxide to make you even more at ease.
We use a modern CO2 laser for the procedure, which means there is minimal bleeding, and you can expect a fast recovery.
During the procedure, we carefully trim away the excess tissue that is restricting tongue movement.
Aftercare and Recovery
After your tongue-tie release, you may experience slight swelling or tenderness for a few days. Most people can return to normal activities quickly, but full recovery and improved mobility may take up to 10 days.
Tips for Smooth Recovery:
- Oral hygiene: Gently brush and rinse your mouth to prevent infection.
- Physical therapy: Simple exercises can improve tongue mobility and maintain the results of the surgery.
- Follow-up visits: Regular check-ins with your oral surgeon will ensure proper healing.
Trust the Experts at Oral Facial and Implant Specialists
If you suspect you have a tongue tie, there is a safe and easy solutions!
Whether you are dealing with speech challenges, dental issues, or simply limited tongue movement, we are here to help.To book an appointment at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
