Lip-tie and tongue-tie are conditions that are present at birth, so when you think of them, your mind may automatically go straight to children. Yes, these issues are often diagnosed and treated early in life. Timely care can prevent a range of issues later on. But can adults also have lip- and tongue-ties? Yes! These conditions do not go away with time. Continue reading this blog post to learn more about how lip-tie and tongue-ties can affect adults and the best form of treatment.
How Lip- and Tongue-Ties Can Affect Adults
Many adults learn to “work around” the symptoms of a lip- or tongue-tie. However, the truth is that these issues can continue to cause problems as long as they remain untreated. If you have one of these conditions, you might experience such problems as:
- Speech challenges. You might need to speak extra carefully or slowly to enunciate words, and your speech may become slurred after even a very small amount of alcohol.
- Jaw tension, facial strain, or headaches. A restricted lip or tongue can affect nearby muscles, which can lead to painful tension throughout your face and head.
- Trouble with chewing, swallowing, or oral hygiene. Limited tongue movement can make it difficult to move food around your mouth. Food may even accumulate in certain areas and lead to decay and infections.
- Gum recession or spacing between front teeth. A lip-tie can pull on the gum tissue and affect dental development.
Sadly, many adults spend years trying to cope with the symptoms of a lip- or tongue-tie instead of addressing the root cause of their problems. This can lead to expensive treatment plans, invasive dental procedures, and other unpleasant experiences.
Find Freedom with a Frenectomy
Fortunately, lip- and tongue-tie are highly treatable! You may benefit from a minor surgical procedure known as a frenectomy. Essentially, this means that Dr. Thomas, a skilled holistic dentist, will remove the band of tissue that is restricting the movement of your lip or tongue. The process is fast, and most adults are well-recovered within a week or two (any initial soreness usually fades in just a few days).
Along with a frenectomy, you will need myofunctional therapy both before and after your procedure to teach you how to properly use your oral structures. If you consistently keep up with the prescribed exercises, you may find that speech, chewing, swallowing, and other basic functions become much easier!
It is never too late to get treated for a lip- or tongue-tie. If you have symptoms of these conditions, talk to our Southlake team to learn about your options.
Meet Dr. Thomas
Dr. Preetha Thomas is a holistic dentist who uses an advanced soft tissue laser to provide frenectomies for both children and adults. Her focus is on providing conservative care that promotes the long-term wellness of each patient. To learn more about her or to request a consultation, contact Enclave Dental in Southlake at 817-912-1218.
