Do you know that some people have trouble sticking out their tongues? This is referred to as “tongue-tie” or ankyloglossia. It is a condition in which the frenulum, a band of tissue under the tongue, is too tight or short. This may cause someone to have difficulty moving his or her tongue freely. Though it might seem like a minor problem, neglecting a tongue-tie can lead to serious health issues later in life.
If you’re looking for a Tampa tongue tie near you, it’s essential to seek professional care to avoid these complications. In case you or your child has a tongue-tie, it’s essential to know how ignoring it can cause long-term health problems.
What is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition wherein the frenulum, which is the small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, is too tight. Normally, the frenulum is flexible and allows the tongue to move freely. However, with tongue-tie, the movement of the tongue is restricted. This condition is often detected early in life, but many people delay treatment, which can lead to complications over time.
What is the Long-Term Impact of a Tongue-Tie?
Ignoring tongue-tie can lead to many health issues that may impact the person for a lifetime. If not treated, the condition may lead to difficulty in speaking, eating, and breathing. Tongue-tie may also impact oral health and even affect other areas of life.
Below are some of the long-term effects of untreated tongue-tie:
Speech Problems
The most common issue associated with the presence of tongue-tie is speech difficulties. Most children with untreated tongue-tie may not pronounce a number of sounds, especially the sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “s.” Their unclear speech can cause trouble in their communication with people. This may lead to frustration among the children and their families. As time progresses, this could reduce a child’s confidence level.
Eating and Swallowing Problems
Tongue-tie can also make eating and swallowing harder. Since the tongue cannot move properly, it becomes difficult to chew food well or swallow comfortably. Babies with tongue-tie may have trouble breastfeeding because they cannot latch onto the breast properly. This can lead to feeding difficulties and poor nutrition. As children grow, they might experience problems eating solid foods, which can result in delays in their growth and development.
Dental Issues
Another long-term impact of tongue-tie is on oral health. When the tongue cannot move properly, it affects how the teeth and mouth develop. For example, tongue-tie can cause teeth to grow out of alignment, leading to problems like crowding. The restricted tongue movement can also make it harder to keep the mouth clean, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Children and adults with untreated tongue-tie may need treatment from a professional to fix misaligned teeth.
Breathing Problems
In some cases, tongue-tie can affect breathing. Since the tongue plays a role in supporting normal airflow, limited tongue movement can lead to issues like mouth breathing. Mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, bad breath, and even problems with the development of the jaw and teeth. Over time, mouth breathing can also make it harder to sleep well, possibly leading to sleep apnea or snoring.
Posture and Neck Pain
When the tongue is restricted, it can affect the posture of the head and neck. People with tongue-tie may adopt strange postures to compensate for the limited tongue movement. This can lead to neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. If not addressed, these discomforts can become chronic and lead to more serious musculoskeletal problems in the future.
How to Diagnose and Treat Tongue-Tie?
If you suspect your child may have a tongue-tie, it’s important to talk with a professional They can examine your child and recommend the most suitable treatment.
Treatment for tongue-tie usually involves a simple procedure called a frenectomy. This is a minor procedure where a small snip is made in the lingual frenulum to release the tongue.
Early Intervention is Key!
Early identification and treatment of tongue-tie can significantly improve breastfeeding success, speech development, and overall oral health. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you have any concerns.
Take Action Now—Don’t Let Tongue-Tie Impact Health!
Concerned about the effect of tongue-tie or lip-tie on your baby or on yourself? Don’t wait any longer! At Tampa Tongue-Tie Centre, we have expertise in treating patients of all ages who have tongue-tie and lip-tie. Our team of experts provides gentle yet efficient treatments to help with speech, eating, and general oral health.
Schedule a consultation today at our center and let us help you find relief. Tongue tie center in Tampa is here to provide the care you need for a healthier future.