Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes individuals to temporarily stop breathing and jolt awake suddenly during sleep. Upwards of 25 million U.S. adults experience some degree of sleep apnea. Many factors can contribute to sleep apnea, and tongue tie is one that you might not be familiar with.

What is tongue tie?

Tongue tie is a condition related to the lingual frenulum, the band of tissue that connects the floor of the mouth with the bottom of the tongue. In cases of tongue tie, the lingual frenulum is abnormally short, tight, or thick. This can restrict the movement of the tongue.

The level of restriction can vary from case to case. Some individuals might see little to no impact from tongue tie. For others, it can cause several breathing disorders, including sleep apnea. It can also lead to issues with speaking and eating.

Your dentist will be able to tell you if you have tongue tie. If you’ve experienced speech impediments or sleep apnea, tongue tie may be a factor. Some common indicators include difficulty lifting your tongue to touch your upper teeth, moving it from side to side, or extending the tongue out of your mouth.

While the exact prevalence of the condition is unknown, it is estimated that between 3.5 and 5% of adults experience some degree of tongue tie. People who experience tongue tie are born with it, as it relates to the anatomy of their tongue.

How Tongue Tie Can Impact Your Life

Tongue tie presents a variety of potential risks for oral health complications and other concerns. These issues could seriously impact your quality of life and lead to long-term health problems.

In many cases, tongue tie leads to another condition called tongue thrust, where the patient compensates by pushing the tongue too far forward. This can lead to constant pressure against the lower teeth, contributing to open bite. This misalignment of your teeth can require orthodontic treatment to correct.

You may also experience temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The TMJ consists of the joints on either side of the jawbone, attaching it to the skull. There is a complex network of muscles and nerves associated with the TMJ. Individuals with tongue tie can have difficulty swallowing, putting stress on those muscles and causing jaw pain.

Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders can also arise from this condition. It occurs when muscles in the throat relax, closing the airway. Tongue tie can affect palate development, which can lead to a smaller upper airway. That smaller airway, in turn, closes more easily, increasing the risk of sleep apnea.

The tongue plays an important role in speech, so the condition can contribute to speech problems. You may notice increased difficulty clearly pronouncing certain sounds, including “t,” “d,” “z,” “s,” and “th.”

Tongue tie has the potential to restrict a variety of activities that can impact quality of life. Some foods, such as ice cream on a cone, require licking, which tongue tie can restrict. The ability to play certain wind instruments can also be hampered by the lack of tongue mobility.

Tongue Tie Treatment

In most cases, treating tongue tie in childhood is the preferred solution. However, adults with tongue tie can still seek effective treatment to improve their tongue’s range of motion.

In minor cases, tongue tie exercises can show results. These are designed to gradually help improve control over the tongue through repeated motion. However, more severe cases call for other treatment options.

Tongue tie surgery is used to resolve a wide range of issues associated with the condition. Since the tongue’s motion is restricted by the lingual frenulum, a procedure called a frenectomy cuts the tissue. Unless the lingual frenulum is exceptionally thick, this surgery is fairly quick and straightforward.

After the treatment, the range of motion and control over the tongue is greatly improved, resolving most if not all of the problems described above. There are few potential complications, although there may be some scarring in the area. Like any other oral surgery, there is also a risk of infection. To mitigate this risk, your dentist will look for signs of gum disease, treating that issue before moving forward.

If you do experience sleep apnea, tongue tie isn’t the only possible cause. In fact, many factors are at play. Other potential treatment options for dealing with sleep apnea include custom mouth guards that keep your jaw in a suitable position to prevent airway closure.

The Care You Need to Address Sleep Apnea

If you’re concerned about the quality of your sleep, you can visit the best family dentist in Corpus Christi to find a solution. Our team can help determine whether you may have sleep apnea, including referral to a sleep specialist.

We provide a range of treatment options that can help you avoid the need for CPAP therapy in many cases. Schedule your consultation with Orchard Dental Associates today to get started.