Tongue Ties in Older Kids and Adults: What to Look For

Tongue ties are often thought of as a concern only for babies who struggle with nursing, but the truth is that many older children and even adults have undiagnosed tongue ties that continue to affect their health and quality of life. Because the symptoms are more subtle than in infancy, they often go unnoticed or are mistaken for unrelated issues.

We see many clients who have lived for years with the effects of a restricted tongue without ever knowing it. They may have been in and out of orthodontic treatment, struggled with sleep, or developed speech or jaw issues that never fully resolved. Understanding the signs of a tongue tie is the first step toward finding lasting relief.

What Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the band of tissue (called the lingual frenulum) that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight. This limits the natural range of motion of the tongue, which plays a key role in breathing, swallowing, speaking, and maintaining proper oral posture.

Although some ties are obvious at birth, others are less visible. In fact, a tongue tie can still be present even if a person can stick their tongue out or touch the roof of their mouth. The real issue is often how well the tongue moves, not just how far it reaches.

Signs in Older Children

For school-aged children, the effects of a tongue tie can show up in ways that are easy to miss. They may:

• Have difficulty with certain speech sounds, especially R, L, or S

• Breathe through their mouth more often than their nose

• Chew slowly or appear to be a picky eater

• Have a history of orthodontic relapse after treatment

• Snore or sleep restlessly at night

These children often find creative ways to compensate, using their lips, cheeks, or jaw muscles to help with speaking or swallowing. But these compensations can create long-term strain and affect how the face and airway develop over time.

Signs in Adults

For adults, the symptoms may have shifted from developmental concerns to chronic discomfort or fatigue. Many adults with tongue ties report:

• Jaw tension or TMJ issues

• Persistent clenching or grinding

• Poor sleep quality or mild sleep apnea

• Frequent neck or shoulder tension

• Difficulty maintaining nasal breathing, especially at night

Some also struggle with speech clarity, especially when speaking for long periods or under stress. Many are surprised to learn that these lifelong challenges could be linked to restricted tongue mobility.

Myofunctional Therapy and Tongue Tie Support

A tongue tie release, often called a frenectomy, can help free the tongue’s range of motion. But surgery alone is rarely enough. Without retraining the muscles, the tongue may fall back into old patterns or develop new compensations.

That’s where myofunctional therapy comes in. Pre-release therapy helps prepare the tongue and surrounding muscles for a more effective procedure, while post-release therapy guides healing and promotes new, functional habits.

We work closely with release providers throughout Orange County to support clients before and after a procedure. For those not ready for surgery, therapy can still offer valuable improvements in awareness, posture, and overall function.

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Tongue ties do not always show up in obvious ways, especially in older kids and adults. But their impact can be wide-reaching, affecting how we breathe, sleep, and feel throughout the day. If you or your child are dealing with unexplained jaw tension, speech difficulties, or recurring orthodontic issues, it may be worth exploring whether a tongue tie is part of the picture.

At our practice, we offer gentle, thorough evaluations and support tailored to each age and stage. You are never too old to address the root of the issue and healing can begin at any time.