In some cases, parents may take their little one to the dentist and discover that they have a lip and/or tongue tie. Among the many questions that can arise from this, some people end up wondering if this condition can be hereditary. Keep reading to learn how lip and tongue ties can affect adults, the risks involved if it isn’t addressed, and ways to treat the issue to improve oral health.
Can Lip & Tongue Ties Affect Adults?
Although lip and tongue ties are often discussed regarding children’s oral health, it is quite possible for adults to also experience this problem. While this condition can sometimes resolve itself after a while, this isn’t always the case. Since this issue impacts the mobility of a person’s tongue or lips, it can often lead to issues like difficulty speaking, drinking, eating, and even breathing—all of which can negatively affect your oral health as well as your quality of life. If you notice a frenulum connected to either the bottom of your tongue or your upper lip, then you’ll want to visit an expert for help.
Potential Risks of Lip/Tongue Ties in Adults
One of the biggest issues those with lip/tongue ties experience is a diminished ability to maintain good oral health. The lips might be unable to move around as efficiently, which can cause you to have trouble speaking comfortably or clearly. If you have a tongue tie, you might not be able to get rid of debris with your tongue, which can increase the risk of dental decay and gum disease.
Other problems that can occur if lip/tongue tie is left unchecked can include TMJ disorder and sleep apnea. Those with a frenulum can adapt their mouths to cope with their limited movement, including the development of an incorrect swallowing pattern. If left unchecked, this can lead to bite misalignment as well as discomfort in the temporomandibular joints. Tongue ties can sometimes result in breathing difficulties that can raise the chances of developing sleep apnea, which is known to negatively impact
How to Treat Lip & Tongue-Tie in Adults
To improve your oral health and ability to move your tongue and lips, it’s important to seek help from a lip/tongue-tie expert. They’ll be able to assess your situation and help determine how best to relieve your symptoms as well as address the issue upfront. Depending on your situation, practicing specific exercises can help you retrain yourself on how to move your tongue and lips. However, you might also consider getting the frenulum removed entirely by undergoing a frenectomy. Although this procedure is typically quick and simple, it often comes with a higher upfront cost, and you’ll have to take proper measures to avoid potential infection or complications after the surgery.
Adults can also struggle with lip and tongue ties, but it doesn’t mean it’s too late to get treatment. Speak with an expert for help, and you’ll be sure to get the resources and support you need to achieve the oral health you deserve.
About the Practice
At Healthy Sleep Tulsa, our team wants to ensure patients of all ages can receive the lip and/or tongue-tie treatment they need. We offer a wide range of services and utilize advanced technology so that you can undergo procedures that are comfortable and effective for achieving greater oral health. If you have any questions about lip and tongue ties or wish to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call our office at 918-409-0914.