Lip and tongue ties develop during pregnancy and are present when a baby is born. Therefore, these issues are often regarded as problems that are exclusive to very young patients. However, lip and tongue ties do not go away unless they are properly treated! Therefore, there are quite a few adults who have these issues. In this blog post, you will learn how to recognize a lip or tongue tie and how you can receive treatment.
Symptoms of Lip and Tongue Ties in Adults
Lip and tongue ties often present differently in adults than they do in younger patients. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Difficulty articulating certain sounds or slurred speech.
- Frequent jaw pain or tension, especially during chewing.
- Chronic headaches, often resulting from strain in facial muscles.
- Limited tongue mobility, making certain activities like licking, eating, or kissing challenging.
- Difficulty maintaining a proper seal when drinking from bottles or straws.
- Dental issues, such as cavities, overcrowding, or a gap between the front teeth due to a tight lip tie
- Snoring or sleep apnea caused by improper tongue posture.
- Digestive issues resulting from improper breakdown of food.
- Persistent neck or shoulder discomfort.
These symptoms can vary in severity and may not always be attributed to lip or tongue ties immediately, particularly if the condition has persisted since childhood. You may need to visit a lip and tongue tie specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Lip and Tongue Ties
The treatment for lip and tongue ties in adults often involves a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as a frenectomy, which can allow for full range of motion of the oral structures.
During a frenectomy, a qualified care provider (usually a dentist), uses a laser to modify or remove the piece of tissue that is restricting the lip or tongue. This is usually done under local anesthesia. The initial healing period may last just 1 – 2 weeks, and full recovery might take up to 6 weeks. During the post-op period, you will need to perform exercises and stretches to prevent the severed tissues from reattaching.
In many cases, treatment does not end with the frenectomy alone. Myofunctional therapy may also be essential. Myofunctional therapy is basically physical therapy for the mouth; it consists of targeted exercises designed to retrain the muscles of the mouth and face for optimal function. This therapy can improve tongue posture, enhance speech clarity, and reduce strain in facial and neck muscles.
If you believe you have a lip or tongue tie, now is the time to talk to a qualified doctor. It is never too late to seek treatment!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Jesse Witkoff is a board-certified pediatric dentist who serves the Boulder, CO, community. He uses advanced laser technology to provide frenectomies for patients of all ages, from infants to adults. If you believe that you or someone in your family has a lip or tongue tie, Dr. Witkoff and our team would be pleased to serve you. Contact our office at 720-743-3340.