Understanding Tongue Tie: How It Affects Health and Development

Being “tongue tied” isn’t just a saying — it’s a real condition that can affect how the mouth, jaw, and face grow and function. A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia or tethered oral tissue (TOT), occurs when the small band of tissue under the tongue (the frenulum) is too tight or thick, limiting natural tongue movement. This restriction can influence everything from speech and swallowing to breathing and overall oral health.

Why Tongue Tie Matters

Why Tongue Tie Matters

The tongue plays an essential role in guiding how the mouth and face develop. When it rests comfortably against the roof of the mouth, it helps shape the upper jaw, support the airway, and promote healthy oral habits like nasal breathing and proper swallowing.
When a tongue tie restricts that movement, the tongue can’t reach the palate correctly. This can cause a narrow upper jaw, crowded teeth, and even issues with the airway. Over time, children and adults may experience symptoms such as speech difficulties, mouth breathing, jaw tension, headaches, and sleep problems like snoring or sleep apnea. Many also notice challenges with chewing or swallowing comfortably.
The tongue plays an essential role in guiding how the mouth and face develop. When it rests comfortably against the roof of the mouth, it helps shape the upper jaw, support the airway, and promote healthy oral habits like nasal breathing and proper swallowing.
When a tongue tie restricts that movement, the tongue can’t reach the palate correctly. This can cause a narrow upper jaw, crowded teeth, and even issues with the airway. Over time, children and adults may experience symptoms such as speech difficulties, mouth breathing, jaw tension, headaches, and sleep problems like snoring or sleep apnea. Many also notice challenges with chewing or swallowing comfortably.

Treatment Options

Treatment Options

At SN Family Dental, we treat tongue ties gently and precisely using the Solea Laser. This advanced laser allows us to release the tight tissue (a procedure known as a frenectomy) quickly, often without the need for anesthesia, stitches, or lengthy recovery. The laser naturally seals the tissue as it works, minimizing bleeding and discomfort.

Most patients, including children, experience immediate improvement in tongue movement and comfort. Infants often feed more effectively, while older children and adults may notice easier speech, better breathing, and less muscle tension. The procedure is fast, safe, and can make a lasting difference in oral and overall health.

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of a tongue tie, we’d be happy to evaluate and discuss whether Solea laser treatment is the right solution for you.

At SN Family Dental, we treat tongue ties gently and precisely using the Solea Laser. This advanced laser allows us to release the tight tissue (a procedure known as a frenectomy) quickly, often without the need for anesthesia, stitches, or lengthy recovery. The laser naturally seals the tissue as it works, minimizing bleeding and discomfort.

Most patients, including children, experience immediate improvement in tongue movement and comfort. Infants often feed more effectively, while older children and adults may notice easier speech, better breathing, and less muscle tension. The procedure is fast, safe, and can make a lasting difference in oral and overall health.

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of a tongue tie, we’d be happy to evaluate and discuss whether Solea laser treatment is the right solution for you.

Since 2004, SN Family Dental has been dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care in New Jersey, combining advanced expertise with compassionate service.

Since 2004, SN Family Dental has been dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care in New Jersey, combining advanced expertise with compassionate service.

Since 2004, SN Family Dental has been dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care in New Jersey, combining advanced expertise with compassionate service.