Untangling the Threads: Understanding the Impact of Tongue Ties on Speech, Swallowing and Breathing.
So what is a tongue tie?
A tongue tie is a string of tissue underneath the tongue that restricts normal tongue movement. When assessing underneath the tongue there needs to be a functional deficit as well as an anatomical one to meet the criteria to be classified as a tongue tie.
Tongue ties, or ankyloglossia, occur when the strip of skin beneath the tongue (lingual frenulum) is shorter than usual, restricting the tongue’s range of motion. This condition can impact both speech, swallowing and breathing in the following ways:
Infant Feeding Difficulties - Tongue ties can make breastfeeding a challenge, causing pain for mom and frustration for baby. Plus, it can affect how they swallow and even lead to issues with weight gain.
Speech/Articulation Issues - Limited range of motion can affect articulation, and pronunciation.
Swallowing Difficulties - From infancy to adulthood, tongue ties can make eating a struggle. Difficulty chewing, swallowing, and even issues with texture aversion can all stem from a tongue tie.
Dental and Orthodontic Issues - Tongue ties can lead to difficulty with proper oral hygiene. Limited tongue movement can make it challenging to clean teeth and gums effectively, increasing the risk of dental issues like cavities and gum disease. They can also lead to malocclusion (misaligned teeth) where the teeth do not align properly when the jaws are closed. This misalignment can lead to issues such as overcrowding, gaps between teeth, or an overbite/underbite. Children/Adults with tongue ties can experience Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Restricted tongue movement can contribute to tension and dysfunction in the muscles and joints of the jaw (TMJ), potentially leading to pain, clicking, or limited jaw movement.
Airway Obstruction - Believe it or not, tongue ties can even impact your breathing! A tight frenulum can restrict the movement of the tongue and affect the size and shape of the airway, leading to problems like snoring or sleep apnea
Mouth breathing. When someone has a tongue tie, their ability to close their mouth and position their tongue properly at rest may be compromised. This can lead to habitual mouth breathing, where the individual relies on breathing through their mouth instead of their nose, even when not exerting themselves physically. In some cases, tongue ties can be associated with other factors that contribute to nasal obstruction, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Nasal congestion or obstruction can make it difficult to breathe through the nose, leading to a preference for mouth breathing.
Sleep disturbances - Tongue ties can potentially contribute to sleep disturbances in children and adults. When a person has a tongue tie, it can affect their ability to breathe properly, especially during sleep. This can lead to several issues that disrupt sleep quality including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Tongue ties may contribute to obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by repetitive episodes of complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep. In individuals with tongue ties, the restricted movement of the tongue can compromise the airway, leading to episodes of breathing cessation or shallow breathing during sleep. People with tongue ties may be more prone to snoring. When the tongue is unable to rest properly in the mouth due to a tongue tie, it may fall back into the throat during sleep, partially obstructing the airway and causing vibrations that result in snoring sounds. People may also experience restless sleep, or disrupted breathing patterns creating restless sleep, frequent awakenings, and difficulty achieving deep, restorative sleep stages. This can result in daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
It’s important to note that not everyone with a tongue tie will experience significant speech, swallowing or breathing difficulties. The impact varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors. If a tongue tie is suspected to be having any type of ‘functional impact’ we are here to help diagnose and treat! In some cases, we will refer to trusted providers for a minor surgical procedure to release the tongue tie and improve functionality.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in tongue tie diagnosis and treatment to explore the best options for you or your little one.
Let's raise awareness about this often overlooked issue and support those who may be struggling with tongue ties!
