Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Tongue and lip ties are often viewed as childhood conditions, but they can significantly affect individuals of all ages. Whether you are a parent concerned about your child or an adult experiencing challenges, understanding these conditions is important.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of early detection and intervention of tongue and lip ties, looking at how they can impact individuals and why seeking help as soon as possible is important.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Early intervention for lip ties is vital at any age because it improves oral function, improves breastfeeding outcomes for infants, and prevents speech delays in children. Timely treatment also alleviates discomfort in adults and helps avoid more complex procedures or complications later on, ensuring better overall oral health and quality of life.
What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?
A tongue tie, or lingual frenulum, is a condition where a band of tissue under the tongue restricts its movement.
A lip tie happens when the band of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums, called the labial frenulum, is excessively tight. Both conditions can limit tongue and lip mobility, leading to various issues, including:
- Difficulty eating and swallowing: Proper tongue mobility is crucial for effectively chewing and swallowing food.
- Speech difficulties: Restricted tongue movement can hinder clear articulation, leading to speech issues.
- Breathing problems: Tongue ties can contribute to sleep disordered breathing, affecting sleep quality.
FAQs
At what age should a frenectomy be done?
At what age should a frenectomy be done?
For infants, the procedure can be performed as early as a few days old, especially if the tongue or lip tie is impacting feeding. In older children and adults, a frenectomy can be done once the diagnosis is made, taking into account the impact on speech, oral function, or other related issues.
Can a tongue tie grow back?
A properly performed frenectomy does not lead to regrowth of the tongue tie. The tissue is sufficiently altered or removed to allow for improved tongue mobility.
Are there circumstances where a tongue tie can regrow?
Yes, there are instances where the frenulum can reattach or develop scar tissue, leading to a return of some restriction. This is more common if proper post-operative care and exercises are not followed.
Signs and Symptoms of Tongue and Lip Ties
If you suspect that you or your child has a tongue or lip tie, here are some common signs and symptoms to look for:
In Children
- Breastfeeding difficulties: Babies may struggle with a poor latch or painful nursing, leading to nipple pain.
- Slow weight gain: A tongue tie can contribute to incomplete breast drainage, affecting milk supply and causing poor weight gain.
- Speech delays: Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds can indicate a tongue tie.
In Adults
- Eating difficulties: Adults may experience problems chewing or swallowing, leading to discomfort.
- Speech issues: If you find it challenging to articulate certain sounds or have a lisp, it might be related to a tongue tie.
- Chronic mouth pain: This may arise from overusing other oral muscles due to compensating for restricted tongue movement.
- Breathing problems: Adults with tongue ties may experience symptoms of sleep apnea or disordered breathing, leading to daytime fatigue.
If you or your child identify with any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with an oral surgeon for a thorough evaluation and potential tongue tie diagnosis.
Impact on Daily Life
Untreated tongue and lip ties can have lasting effects on daily life and overall health.
Eating and Nutrition
Tongue ties can significantly impact the ability to eat a wide range of foods comfortably. Individuals may experience:
- Difficulty with solid foods: Restriction can make it hard to eat certain textures.
- Poor oral hygiene: Limited tongue mobility can result in food debris getting trapped, leading to issues such as bad breath and cavities.
Speech and Communication
Over time, untreated tongue and lip ties can affect speech. If you or your child have difficulty articulating sounds, this can lead to:
- Reduced confidence in social situations.
- Increased anxiety about public speaking or engaging in conversations.
Sleep and Breathing
If you struggle with sleep disordered breathing or sleep apnea, a tongue tie may be a contributing factor. Symptoms can include:
- Frequent waking during the night.
- Daytime fatigue and decreased cognitive function due to poor sleep quality.
If you did not address a lip tie in childhood, you may still experience challenges as an adult. Many individuals find that lip ties can lead to:
- Difficulty with oral hygiene: An untreated lip tie can create areas in the mouth that are hard to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease.
- Ongoing speech issues: Adults who had lip ties as children may still face articulation problems that affect their professional and social lives.
- Eating challenges: You may notice discomfort while eating certain foods or struggle with effective chewing, which can affect your nutrition.
Diagnosis and Treatment
An oral surgeon will perform a physical exam to assess the degree of the tongue or lip tie. Early intervention is key, especially if these conditions are affecting quality of life.
Frenectomy Procedure Options
- Traditional frenectomy: This quick procedure involves using surgical tools to release the restrictive tissue.
- Laser frenectomy: A more modern approach, this uses a soft tissue laser to gently cut the tissue with minimal bleeding and faster healing times.
Both methods effectively improve tongue mobility, making it easier to eat, speak, and breathe properly.
Adult Frenectomy: Improve Oral Function With Legacy Oral Surgery
Did you know that a frenectomy procedure can be done at any age? If you suspect that a tongue or lip tie is affecting your daily life, do not wait. Early detection and intervention can lead to remarkable improvements in overall well-being.
To learn more about the frenectomy procedure or to book a consultation, call (540) 437-1230 for our Harrisonburg location, or (540) 213-8750 for our Staunton location. Let us guide you through the process and help you reclaim your quality of life.