How a Tongue-tie Affects Adults

How a tongue-tie affects adults and its contributing factor to other medical conditions.  The tongue has many duties.  Duties that include assisting with breathing, chewing, swallowing, facial development, speech and digestion. 

If a tongue-tie remains untreated it impacts the whole body creating stiffness and tightness.  The four muscles, located above the hyoid bone in the neck, are no exception.  When these muscles become stiff headaches, neck aches, shoulder pain and poor posture can develop.

The muscles in the jaw, when taut, can force the jaw backwards and downwards, creating TMJ issues.

A tight jaw muscle can also restrict air flow.  This can be a huge problem at night.  Without a clear airway normal breathing can’t happen, resulting in sleep apnea and loud snoring.   During the day, it lends itself towards mouth breathing.  

Another condition in adults from a tongue-tie is speech problems.  For example; mumbling and talking softly or finding yourself with a gravelly voice or sore throat by the end of the day. 

Did you know 1 in 4 adults are affected by indigestion? A healthy tongue will move food from side to side, ensuring it is properly broken down and easily digested.  When movement of the tongue is restricted the food doesn’t get swapped from side to side.  We end up swallowing unchewed food which is hard on the stomach.  

Take the Tongue-tie Quiz

• Do you snore?
• Do you stop breathing while sleeping?
• Do you feel rested after a night’s sleep?
• Do you have pain in your neck and shoulders?
• Is your mouth opened during the day?
• Can your tongue reach its palate when your mouth is wide open?
• Do you grind your teeth?
• Do you get sore throats?
• Do you have frequent headaches?
• Do you have acid reflux?
• Do you have trouble swallowing?

If you’ve answered yes to these questions it’s a good bet you have a tongue-tie. 

Myofunctional therapy is a program used to correct the improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. Myofunctional therapy involves strengthening the tongue and orofacial muscles by teaching individuals how to reposition muscles to the appropriate posture.

Contact Dr. Abeyta’s office today at 505-293-7611 to schedule an appointment.