People typically associate tongue ties with breastfeeding issues, but what many people don’t know is that this common issue is also related to sleep apnea. If an infant is born with a frenulum that is too short or too tight, breastfeeding can be difficult or impossible. However, if left untreated this abnormality with the tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth can cause more serious issues.
Tongue ties have an impact on oral and facial development and can lead to issues with the airway and breathing problems. For this reason, tongue ties have been associated with sleep-disordered breathing and sleep apnea. Issues with the frenulum cause restricted tongue movement and if left untreated, the tongue will adopt a lower posture in the mouth over time. Eventually, this results in a smaller airway, which is the main cause of sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of apnea, and it occurs when the soft tissues of the mouth, palate, and throat become relaxed during sleep, and block the airway, interrupting normal breathing cycles.
This usually prevents normal breathing for a few seconds, but can last up to 10 seconds or longer, interrupting oxygen flow to the lungs. A tight or short frenulum can cause these issues, but a quick, effective frenectomy can help you get a restful night’s sleep if you suffer from sleep apnea!
Treatment to release a tongue tie can help a patient sleep more soundly because it creates a wider range of mobility for the tongue, enabling it to rest on the palate. At Colorado Tongue Tie, we specialize in frenectomies that will give you a peaceful sleep. This simple, 30 second procedure will release your tongue tie and give you the rest you deserve. Call us today at (720) 507-0077 to schedule an appointment.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, our goal is to support the well-being of families by addressing tethered oral tissues (TOTs). 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 CO2 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.