Adults with Tongue Tie
Many adults with tongue tie go through their entire lives without knowing. This condition, which affects the way the tissue that anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth is structured, can lead to a number of problems with speech and oral hygiene.
If you’re an adult with tongue tie, it’s important to become familiar with the signs and symptoms so you can seek treatment if needed. This article will provide you with all you need to know about adults with tongue ties.
Table of Contents
What is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition that occurs when the tissue that anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight. This can restrict the movement of the tongue and make it difficult to perform certain tasks, such as licking lips, sticking out the tongue, or swallowing.
Tongue tie can cause a number of problems including, trouble speaking clearly, problems with sleep, dental problems, migraines, protrusion of the lower jaw, and misalignment of the teeth.
Tongue tie can impact an individual’s quality of life. The prevalence of tongue tie in the general population is unknown, as there are no large-scale studies that have been conducted on the matter.
However, some estimates suggest that the condition affects between 2 and 10 percent of the population. Tongue tie is more common in males than females, and it’s most often diagnosed in adulthood.
If you think you may be suffering from tongue tie, it’s important to see a doctor or speech therapist for an evaluation. With proper treatment, many individuals are able to improve their symptoms and live relatively normal lives.
The possible causes of tongue tie in adults can include genetics, development abnormalities, and trauma.
How is Tongue Tie Diagnosed in Adults?
Fortunately, diagnosing tongue tie is relatively simple. The first step is to stand in front of a mirror and stick your tongue out as far as possible. Adults with tongue tie might see their tongue tethered to the back of their front teeth.
Some signs of tongue tie can be difficulty speaking, difficulty eating, ongoing dental issues, jaw pain, or migraines. All of these can be symptoms experienced by adults with tongue tie. If you experience jaw pain, check out our Find Relief From Jaw Pain article.
If you find that your tongue is tethered to the back of your front teeth or experiencing some of the above symptoms, it might be a good idea to visit your doctor and receive a professional diagnosis.
Can Tongue Tie be Corrected in Adults?
There are several treatments that can help improve the quality of life for adults with tongue tie. These include speech therapy, exercises to stretch the mouth and jaws, and surgery to release the tongue from the floor of the mouth. With proper treatment, adults with tongue tie can enjoy a better quality of life.
Tongue tie can be treated permanently with a simple surgical procedure and laser therapy. The surgery involves making a small incision in the tissue that tethers the tongue, freeing up the tongue and restoring normal function.
The surgeries performed for the treatment of tongue tie are a frenotomy, a frenuloplasty, and laser surgery.
Surgical Options for Adults with Tongue Tie
Frenotomy
A frenotomy can be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of another surgery. The procedure is typically quick and is performed under local anesthesia.
First, the area under the tongue is numbed with an injection. Once the patient is numb, a small incision is made in the tissue and the tongue is freed from its tether. The incision is then closed with dissolvable sutures.
Recovery from a frenotomy is typically quick and most patients experience little to no pain or discomfort.
Surgery may be recommended for adults with tongue tie if they have difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking due to the condition. The surgery will take place in an outpatient setting and usually takes less than 30 minutes to perform.
Frenuloplasty
Frenuloplasty involves removing the frenulum (commonly referred to as the tongue web) to improve tongue function. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
First, the surgeon will make an incision in the frenulum to release it from the underlying tissue. Next, any remaining tissue will be removed and the wound will be closed with sutures.
The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Recovery is typically quick, with most patients able to return to their normal activities within a few days. Complications are rare but can include bleeding, infection, and scarring.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery is a popular treatment option for tongue tie in adults. Also known as a lingual frenectomy, this procedure involves using a laser to remove the frenulum, the tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Laser surgery is generally quick and easy, and it doesn’t require any stitches. Recovery is also typically very straightforward, with most people able to return to their normal activities within a day or two.
Also, laser surgery has some significant advantages over other forms of treatment for tongue tie:
- Laser surgery is much less likely to cause scarring or other tissue damage.
- It’s much less likely to trigger a gag reflex.
- It also offers a much quicker and easier recovery than other treatments.
Treatment Costs
The treatment for tongue tie is usually a simple outpatient procedure. The cost of the procedure will vary depending on the clinic and the location, but it is typically between $500 and $2000.
Some insurance plans will cover the cost of the procedure, but many will not. Additionally, there may be extra costs associated with the procedure, such as anesthesia or post-operative care.
Adults with tongue ties can also be treated with laser surgery, which is generally more expensive than the other options. The cost of laser surgery can range from $2000 to $5000, depending on the clinic and the location. As with non-laser surgeries, some insurance plans will cover the cost of laser surgery, but many will not.
Recommendations for Adults with Tongue Tie
If you are an adult who experiences any of the symptoms associated with tongue tie, it’s important to consult a registered health care practitioner. Only a professional will be able to properly diagnose and treat your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What issues can tongue-tie cause in adults?
Tongue tie can cause several problems such as difficulty speaking, difficulty eating, ongoing dental issues, jaw pain, and migraines. Some of these symptoms can be chronic and interfere with daily life.
How do you tell if you have a tongue-tie as an adult?
To see if you suffer from being tongue tied, stand in front of a mirror and stick your tongue out as far as possible. Adults with a tongue tie might see their tongue tethered to the back of their bottom front teeth. Ask your dentist or medical doctor to confirm.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
