What is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually short or tight. While often detected in infants, many adults live with undiagnosed tongue tie, which can contribute to long-term health problems, including:
Chronic jaw, neck, and facial pain
Headaches or migraines
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
Poor oral posture and bite issues
How Tongue Tie Causes Chronic Pain
Adults with tongue tie may experience pain due to muscle tension and strain in the jaw, neck, and upper back. Key ways it contributes to chronic pain include:
TMJ Strain: Restricted tongue movement can affect jaw alignment, leading to TMJ disorders.
Neck and Shoulder Tension: Compensation for limited tongue mobility can create chronic muscle tension.
Headaches and Migraines: Persistent jaw strain and poor oral posture often trigger frequent headaches.
Digestive and Speech Issues: Difficulty swallowing or speaking properly can contribute to muscle fatigue and discomfort.
Symptoms of Tongue Tie in Adults
Common signs include:
Restricted tongue movement or inability to reach the roof of the mouth
Clicking or popping of the jaw
Chronic jaw, neck, or facial pain
Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or playing wind instruments
Sleep disturbances due to improper tongue posture
Treatment Options for Adult Tongue Tie
At Pain Free Dentists Sydney, we offer safe and effective tongue tie treatments designed to reduce chronic pain and restore tongue function, including:
Frenectomy (Laser Tongue Tie Release): A precise, minimally invasive laser procedure that releases the tight tissue, improving tongue mobility.
Myofunctional Therapy: Exercises to retrain tongue and oral muscles, reducing strain and improving posture.
Pain Management Support: Techniques to relieve jaw, neck, and facial tension during recovery.
Benefits of Treating Tongue Tie in Adults
Reduced chronic pain in the jaw, neck, and face
Improved TMJ function and bite alignment
Better speech, swallowing, and oral posture
Enhanced sleep quality and reduced snoring
Overall improvement in daily comfort and function
Who Should Consider Tongue Tie Treatment?
Treatment is ideal for adults experiencing:
Chronic jaw, neck, or facial pain
Frequent headaches or migraines
Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or maintaining oral posture
TMJ disorders or teeth grinding
Sleep issues caused by tongue posture
Contact Pain Free Dentists Sydney
If you suffer from chronic jaw, neck, or facial pain that could be related to tongue tie, take the first step toward relief.
Call us at (02) 9558 8988, email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au, or book online to schedule a consultation.