Top Signs Of Tongue-Tie In Children And Adults
Does your little one have trouble latching, or are you noticing issues with jaw development like crowded teeth or a high palate? Or maybe you’re an adult who’s dealt with jaw tension or swallowing issues for as long as you can remember. Surprisingly, these symptoms might all connect back to a lesser-known condition: tongue-tie.
At Centreville Family Dentistry, we’re passionate about helping our patients enjoy a healthier, happier life by addressing even the less obvious dental concerns that impact well-being. Tongue-tie, a condition where the tissue under the tongue restricts its movement, can affect everything from eating and breathing to jaw development. The good news? A simple, gentle treatment can make all the difference.
What is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of tissue (frenum) under the tongue is too tight or positioned too far forward. This restricts the tongue’s movement, which can interfere with essential functions like eating, breathing, and proper jaw alignment. At Centreville Family Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating tongue-tie, using a CO2 laser for a gentle, safe release that doesn’t require sedation.
Top Signs of Tongue-Tie in Children
- Difficulty with Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding
Babies with tongue-tie may have trouble latching properly, leading to fussiness, frequent feeding, and even weight issues. Feeding struggles are often one of the earliest signs of tongue-tie in infants.
- Frequent Digestive Issues
Believe it or not, tongue-tie can even affect digestion. Poor tongue mobility can make it harder to chew and swallow properly, which may lead to symptoms like colic or reflux in infants and toddlers.
- Crowded or Misaligned Teeth
Limited tongue movement can interfere with jaw and tooth development, contributing to crowded or misaligned teeth as your child grows. Early intervention can help prevent orthodontic issues down the road.
- High Palate or Narrow Jaws
Restricted tongue movement can impact the natural shape of the jaw and palate, leading to a high or narrow palate that may affect breathing and dental alignment as your child grows.
- Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Tongue-tie can contribute to poor jaw and facial development, which is linked to sleep-disordered breathing conditions like mouth breathing or obstructive sleep apnea. These issues can affect overall health and development in children.
Top Signs of Tongue-Tie in Adults
- Difficulty Swallowing or Eating Certain Foods
Adults with tongue-tie may find it challenging to chew and swallow certain foods, particularly those that require more jaw and tongue coordination, like bread or steak. This can lead to frustration or avoidance of certain foods altogether.
- Persistent Jaw or Neck Tension
A restricted tongue can lead to overcompensation in other muscles, resulting in jaw and neck pain or tension. This is a lesser-known symptom that can have a significant impact on comfort and mobility.
- Crowded Teeth or Jaw Misalignment
Untreated tongue-tie can contribute to crowded teeth or jaw misalignment, often causing ongoing orthodontic or dental health challenges.
- Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Tongue-tie can lead to compromised tongue posture, contributing to poor jaw development and sleep-disordered breathing issues such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Addressing tongue-tie may improve both jaw alignment and breathing patterns.
- Oral Health Issues
Limited tongue movement can make it harder to clear food particles from the mouth, leading to issues like cavities or gum disease over time. Proper tongue mobility is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene.
How Centreville Family Dentistry Can Help
Our team is committed to providing a supportive, caring experience for patients dealing with tongue-tie. We use advanced laser technology to perform a quick and comfortable frenectomy, releasing restrictive tissues to restore natural tongue movement. This safe, minimally invasive procedure typically requires no sedation and allows for a speedy recovery with little discomfort.
If you’re experiencing signs of tongue-tie or think it may be affecting your child, reach out to us at Centreville Family Dentistry in Centreville, MI. We’ll provide a thorough evaluation, work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals as needed, and support you in finding the best treatment plan for your family.
