Tongue tie, also known in dental world as ankloglossia, is when the band of tissue (called frenulum) under the tongue is shorter, restricting the tongue from functioning. The shorter frenulum pulls the tongue down, making it sit low in the mouth unable to rest in the top of the mouth comfortably. The tongue unable to reach the top of the mouth.
When the tongue rest in the top of the mouth, proper muscle engagement is occurring with other muscles of the face. Due to the restriction of the tongue other muscle begin to compensate becoming low muscle tone and weak.
How does this affect sleep apnea? Weak muscles when they are not engaged drop and block the airway. The tongue will relax and drop back closing off the airway when we sleep. Our bodies respond to the blocked airway by moving, grinding, snoring, trying to open the airway our lifeline. When we are sleeping and we have this constant struggle with our muscles blocking the airway we don't get the deep sleep we need to repair and recharge for the next day.
Feel tired after sleeping
Dry mouth
Headaches
Jaw Pain from grinding and clenching
Snoring
Wake to use the bathroom at night
ADD/ADHD
Daytime fatigue
Bed wetting until tween
As a myofunctional specialist I focus on the airway while evaluating for tongue restrictions and myofunctional disorders. Tongue ties are overlooked as most dental professionals are only educated with obvious restrictions. I offer free 30 minute consult to see if your case qualifies for my program. From anywhere you are my online consult is easy and accessible from the comfort of your own mobile device.
Find the root cause of health conditions, address them instead of pacifying the issue with interventions that put a band aide on the ailment. Improve your health and find a whole new awareness of energy and rest!