Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we often get asked whether adults can be affected by tongue-tie and what symptoms they might experience. The short answer is yes—adults can certainly be affected by a tongue-tie or restricted tongue, and it’s not just limited to infants. In fact, the tissue does not stretch out or disappear over time, so many adults continue to live with this condition without realizing its impact on their health.
The Hereditary Factor: Is It Passed Down?
Interestingly, tongue-tie is often hereditary. It’s more common for fathers to pass it down to their children, which was the case in my own family. I personally had a tongue-tie, and I passed it along to my three daughters.
How Common Is Tongue-Tie in Adults?
It’s estimated that around 25% of babies and children are affected by tongue-tie, and it’s likely that adults have a similar incidence rate if properly evaluated. Unfortunately, many adults may never have been assessed for this condition, meaning they could have it without knowing it. Environmental factors, such as certain toxins or folic acid deficiencies, may also be contributing to the increasing rates of tongue-tie, though its prevalence in adults is still likely around 25%.
How Can You Tell If You Have a Tongue-Tie?
A simple self-test can help you determine if you have a restricted tongue. Open your mouth wide, lift your tongue, and try to touch the area just behind your top teeth. If you can only lift your tongue halfway or less, that indicates a significant restriction. In some cases, people might be able to lift their tongue past halfway, but they may still compensate by raising the floor of their mouth, which can mask the restriction. It’s important to remember that appearance alone doesn’t tell the full story—symptoms are the key to identifying whether a tongue-tie is present and causing issues.
Symptoms of Tongue-Tie in Adults
Tongue-tie can manifest in a wide range of symptoms. Here are some common issues that adults with tongue-tie may experience:
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Headaches or migraines
- Sleep difficulties, such as snoring, teeth grinding, sleep apnea, or poor-quality sleep
- Slow eating or difficulty swallowing pills
- Speech difficulties, such as fatigue when talking, mumbling, stuttering, or a history of speech therapy or delays
- Breathing issues, including mouth breathing
- Stress and anxiety
- Gastrointestinal issues, like reflux and constipation
Not all adults with tongue-tie will experience all of these symptoms, and some might have perfect speech but still have a restricted tongue. It’s important to look at the overall picture of symptoms to determine whether a consultation is necessary.
What to Do If You Have a Tongue-Tie
If you’re experiencing symptoms of tongue-tie, it’s recommended to consult with a myofunctional therapist. A myofunctional therapist can help prepare your tongue muscles for a release, encourage proper tongue posture, and address issues like nasal breathing and correct swallowing. Without myofunctional therapy, the benefits of the release might not be as long-lasting, as old habits and compensations can cause you to revert to previous patterns.
The Tongue-Tie Release Procedure
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we perform tongue-tie releases using a state-of-the-art CO2 laser. This procedure is more thorough than traditional methods, as it allows us to visualize the entire restriction and carefully remove the connective tissue or fascia fibers that are limiting your tongue’s mobility. The procedure is quick, virtually painless (only requiring a local anesthetic), and most patients experience minimal discomfort afterward. While recovery is typically brief, with most adults noticing improvements in neck tension and sleep quality within a few days, we always recommend following up with myofunctional therapy to ensure long-term success.
Improvement After the Release
Many of our adult patients have reported significant improvements after the release, including reduced neck tension, better sleep, and an overall improvement in their quality of life. However, it’s important to note that results can vary, and each individual’s recovery and improvement will depend on their specific case and commitment to follow-up care.
Get Started on Your Journey
If you think you might be dealing with a tongue-tie, we encourage you to reach out to our office at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry. We can help connect you with a qualified myofunctional therapist who will work with you to prepare for the release. After that, we’ll perform the tongue-tie release, and you’ll be on your way to a better quality of life.
Contact Us:
Phone: (831) 438-4411
Location: 5 Erba Ln Ste A, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Dr. Ariana Ebrahimian & Dr. Max Ebrahimian
We’re here to help you achieve better health, improved speech, and enhanced overall well-being!
