As a health-conscious individual, you are already aware that getting enough high-quality sleep is essential for overall wellness. You may go to bed at a reasonable time, avoid caffeine late in the day, and take other measures to protect your sleep. However, there might be other factors that are robbing you of high-quality rest. You might have a tongue tie! How can a tongue tie affect sleep, and what can you do to address this problem? This blog post provides some helpful information.
Tongue Tie and Mouth Breathing
The development of the palate (upper portion of the mouth) begins fairly early in pregnancy. The tongue should act as a sort of “scaffolding” that helps the palate to form properly. Unfortunately, if the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth restricts its movements, it cannot adequately press upward and provide the needed support for the palate. As a result, the palate may be too narrow.
A narrow palate is associated with a narrow sinus passage. Therefore, people with a tongue tie are more likely to engage in mouth breathing. This can reduce sleep quality and adversely affect your ability to benefit from the deeper levels of sleep.
Tongue Tie and Sleep Apnea
Tongue tie is also associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children and adults. This is because of both a narrowed airway and the tongue’s limited mobility.
Due to its restricted movements, the tongue may rest in the wrong position in the mouth, making it more likely it will fall backward during sleep and obstruct the free flow of air. This can result in snoring and repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night.
What Can You Do?
If you believe that a tongue tie is negatively affecting your sleep or that of your child, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Talk to a dentist who has experience in diagnosing and treating tongue tie.
- Learn about treatment options. In all likelihood, a laser frenectomy is the best option. This is a minimally invasive surgery that removes or modifies the band of tissue that is restricting the tongue’s movements.
- Do not neglect follow-up care. In some cases, myofunctional therapy is necessary. This is a type of physical therapy that helps patients learn how to properly position their tongue, breathe through the nose, and more. Some people may also need orthodontic care to widen a narrow palate or address other airway problems.
A tongue tie is a significant risk factor for poor sleep! Talk to a qualified practitioner to learn more about this issue and how it can be addressed.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Jesse Witkoff is an experienced dentist who specializes in the treatment of lip and tongue ties for patients of virtually all ages. He is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals, the American Laser Study Club, and more. If you would like to learn how he and our team may be able to help you or someone in your family, contact our Boulder, CO, office at 720-743-3340.