Most people think of tongue ties as a condition affecting infants—especially during breastfeeding. But what’s often overlooked is how a restricted lingual frenulum can persist into adulthood and quietly wreak havoc on various aspects of health. One of the more surprising connections? Sleep apnea.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, we understand the far-reaching impact of oral restrictions. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between tongue ties and sleep apnea in adults, how to identify the signs, and what treatment options are available to help you breathe—and sleep—better.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax excessively, causing airway collapse.
Symptoms of OSA include:
Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
The Hidden Role of Tongue Ties
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum—the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too short, thick, or tight, limiting tongue mobility. While this might seem minor, limited tongue movement can have major repercussions for airway function, especially during sleep.
Here’s how:
Clinical Evidence and Emerging Research
Growing clinical studies and anecdotal reports suggest a strong link between untreated tongue ties and sleep-disordered breathing. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has noted improvements in apnea symptoms in adults following frenuloplasty (a tongue tie release procedure), especially when combined with myofunctional therapy.
Moreover, professionals in sleep medicine, airway dentistry, and orofacial myology are increasingly collaborating to assess patients holistically—considering both anatomical and functional causes of obstructed breathing.
Signs You Might Have an Undiagnosed Tongue Tie
Many adults go through life unaware that a tongue tie is at the root of their health challenges. You might have a tongue tie if you experience:
Treatment Options: Frenectomy and Beyond
If a tongue tie is contributing to your sleep apnea symptoms, a simple outpatient procedure called a frenectomy or frenuloplasty can help. At Colorado Tongue Tie, we use laser technology for a quick, precise, and virtually painless release.
However, releasing the tissue is only part of the equation. Long-term success often involves:
Success Stories
Many of our adult patients report noticeable improvements in sleep quality, energy levels, and even relationships after addressing their tongue ties. One patient said, “I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until I finally slept through the night. The procedure changed my life.”
Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Go Untreated
If you or a loved one suffer from sleep apnea, and traditional treatments like CPAP haven’t resolved the issue, it might be time to take a closer look at your oral anatomy. A tongue tie could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Contact our team at Colorado Tongue Tie today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, our goal is to support the well-being of families by addressing restricted oral tissues (ROTs). We cater to patients across all ages, from infants to adults, with an understanding of the diverse needs at each life stage. Our treatments, utilizing cool laser technology, are designed to be as efficient and comfortable as possible. We're dedicated to providing a caring environment, recognizing that each patient's journey towards better oral health is unique.