What is a Tongue-tie?
A tongue tie is a web of thickened fascia between the tongue and the floor of the mouth. The fascia can vary in thickness and attachment location and restrict normal tongue movement. The medical term for the web of fascia is called a frenum. A frenum that restricts the normal function of the tongue is called ankyloglossia (otherwise referred to as tongue tie).
What are symptoms of a tongue tie in infants?
A tongue tie can negatively impact infant feeding and development due to a poor latch and inadequate milk transfer from the breast or bottle. Some signs and symptoms include:
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milk dribbling while feeding
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clicking or popping noises during feeds
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fatigue and falling asleep mid-feed
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quivering of chin
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frustrations bobbing on and off the breast or bottle
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excess gassiness due to ingestion of air during feeds
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If breastfeeding, nipple pain on latching
Infants with tongue ties may also experience open-mouth breathing and snoring due to the low tongue rest posture during sleep.
What are symptoms of a tongue tie in children?
For children, a tongue tie can lead to poor speech patterns, particularly with sounds that require lifting the tongue—r, d, t, and l. This can often lead to:
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stuttering
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mumbling
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speech errors
What are symptoms of a tongue tie in young adults?
For young adults, particularly those in braces, a tie can interfere with normal tongue swallowing patterns, leading to a tongue thrust. Thrusting occurs when the tongue protrudes forward between the front teeth during swallowing, as opposed to a tongue that elevates and lifts to the palate during swallowing. If not corrected, this negative swallowing pattern can cause an open bite over time and a relapse in orthodontics.
What are symptoms of a tongue tie in adults?
Tongue tie is not just a concern for infants and children, but can also significantly impact adults. It can lead to:
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TMJ pain
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neck tension
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mouth breathing
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obstructive sleep apnea
resulting in snoring, grunting, apnea, and daytime somnolence. These sleep disturbances often occur in conjunction with obstructions from tonsils, adenoids, and nasal obstructions, making an ENT airway evaluation crucial for comprehensive care. To learn more, read this article on Tongue Ties in Adults.
Let us help you improve your daily life and daily function with a simple tongue and lip tie release! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Julie Park to discuss our frenectomy procedure by calling 614-636-0338.