Understanding Tongue-Tie: Effects Into Adulthood

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is often discussed in the context of babies and young children, but what happens if it’s left untreated into adulthood? For some, tongue-tie can lead to long-term challenges that extend far beyond infancy. Let’s explore the potential long-term effects of tongue-tie and what the research says.

What Is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie occurs when the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the frenulum) is too short, tight, or thick, restricting tongue movement. While some people adapt without major issues, others experience lifelong effects. These long-term effects of tongue-tie can vary greatly in severity.

How Untreated Tongue-Tie Can Affect Adults

1. Speech and Communication Challenges

Adults with untreated tongue-tie may struggle to clearly pronounce sounds like “r,” “l,” or “th,” impacting confidence in social or professional settings (Webb et al., 2013). The long-term effects of tongue-tie on speech can be profound.

2. Oral Health Problems

A restricted tongue can hinder effective oral hygiene, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath (Kotlow, 2004).

3. Dental and Structural Issues

Tongue-tie may contribute to a high-arched palate, misaligned teeth, or jaw issues due to improper tongue posture during rest (Messner & Lalakea, 2002). These dental and structural issues are among the long-term effects of tongue-tie.

4. Sleep Disorders

Untreated tongue-tie is linked to sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can lead to fatigue, heart disease, and high blood pressure (Zaghi et al., 2019).

5. Eating and Swallowing Difficulties

Adults may experience challenges with swallowing, food manipulation, or activities like licking ice cream due to restricted tongue movement (Kotlow, 2004). Such difficulties represent some of the long-term effects of tongue-tie.

6. Jaw and Neck Pain

Tongue-tie can cause orofacial myofunctional disorders, contributing to jaw pain, headaches, and neck tension (Zaghi et al., 2016).

Psychological and Social Impacts

Living with tongue-tie can lead to:

• Reduced self-esteem from speech difficulties.
• Social anxiety due to challenges in communication.
• Frustration with everyday tasks like eating or kissing.

Does Treatment Help in Adulthood?

Yes! Even in adulthood, treatment can improve quality of life. Options include:

• Frenotomy/Frenuloplasty: A procedure to release the tongue-tie.
• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT): Exercises to retrain the tongue and surrounding muscles.
• Speech Therapy: Support for improving articulation and communication.

Adults often report significant benefits after treatment, including improved speech, oral health, and comfort (Zaghi et al., 2019).

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Tongue-Tie?

If you think tongue-tie is affecting your quality of life:

• Consult an orofacial myofunctional therapist, speech-language pathologist, or ENT specialist for an evaluation.
• Consider treatment options if the tongue-tie impacts your health or daily activities.

Tongue-tie can have lasting effects into adulthood, from speech and oral health challenges to social and physical discomfort. The long-term effects of tongue-tie should not be underestimated. The good news? It’s never too late to seek help. With treatment, many adults experience significant improvements in quality of life.

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