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Why Adults with Jaw, Head & Neck Pain Should Consider Tongue Tie Evaluation

How We Treat Adult Tongue & Lip Ties

If you have been battling jaw pain, neck and shoulder tension, headaches or fatigue  without clear answers, the root cause of the problem may be a tongue or lip tie. Many adults live with a restricted tongue or lip that silently affects how they speak, swallow, breathe and sleep. 

Because adult frenulums are thicker and compensation patterns are more entrenched than in children, the effects can ripple throughout the body, contributing to TMJ disorders, poor posture, head & neck pain and sleep disordered breathing. 

What Is an Adult Tongue Tie?

Everyone has a small band of tissue called a frenulum under the tongue and behind the upper lip to help stabilize movement. A tongue tie occurs when that tissue is too short or tight, limiting the tongue’s natural range of motion. 

Not all tongue and lip ties need surgical intervention.  When they do, we perform a functional frenuloplasty. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that releases the deeper muscle fibres while preserving surrounding tissues. 

Combined with myofunctional therapy to retrain your tongue, this approach restores mobility and supports long term health.

Signs You May Have a Tongue Tie

A restricted tongue can cause a surprising range of issues. Adults who may benefit from an evaluation often experience:

  • Chronic neck, shoulder or jaw tension. Tight tongue muscles can pull on surrounding muscles, leading to neck and shoulder pain

  • Frequent headaches or TMJ pain, clicking or popping

  • Difficulty maintaining nasal breathing, loud snoring or signs of sleep apnea. Restricted tongues encourage mouth breathing and can disrupt sleep

  • Forward head posture or a tendency to tilt the head down to compensate

  • Speech problems, difficulty articulating certain sounds or speaking clearly

  • Swallowing challenges or the need to drink water to swallow food. Many adults notice easier swallowing after release

  • Dental issues such as crowding, tooth decay or gum problems as limited tongue movement reduces natural cleaning and saliva production

  • Persistent mouth ulcers, tongue fatigue or a sense that the tongue does not rest on the palate

If these symptoms sound familiar, a functional assessment can determine whether a tongue or lip tie is contributing to your discomfort.

How We Diagnose Adult Tongue Tie

Our evaluation goes beyond looking under the tongue. We observe how you speak, chew, swallow and breathe. We assess posture and perform a soft tissue examination to gauge tension and range of motion. For a complete picture of overall function, we may use three dimensional imaging to see how your jaw joints and airway are functioning. 

We also work with myofunctional therapists who assess tongue strength and coordination. Not every tight frenulum requires release. Our goal is to treat when function is impaired.

Functional Frenuloplasty and Integrated Therapy

Unlike a simple frenectomy, a functional frenuloplasty releases restrictive tissues and muscle fibers through a small incision or laser procedure. The treatment is quick and minimally invasive, often performed with a CO₂ laser to minimize bleeding and discomfort.
Here is what to expect:

  1. Pre release preparation: Adults typically work with a myofunctional therapist before the procedure. Exercises help soften tight tissues and teach proper tongue posture, preparing you for a smoother release
  2. Minimally invasive release: Using precise surgical techniques and local anesthesia, we gently free the tongue and lip from the floor of the mouth and upper gums. Most patients feel pressure but little pain
  3. Post release therapy: Retraining the tongue and facial muscles is crucial. Myofunctional therapy teaches new swallowing and breathing patterns to prevent reattachment and fully utilize the new mobility
  4. Collaborative care: Depending on your symptoms, we may integrate regenerative injections, laser therapy, airway orthopedic development & facial development or osteopathic bodywork to address inflammation, correct posture and support healing

Benefits of Releasing a Tongue Tie in Adults

Releasing a restrictive frenulum can bring relief in surprising ways:

  • Reduced neck and shoulder tension

  • Improved breathing and sleep

  • Healthier oral environment and increased saliva production

  • Easier swallowing and clearer speech

  • Enhanced TMJ and facial comfort

  • Better posture and less fatigue

Benefits of Releasing a Tongue Tie in Adults

  • Comprehensive adult evaluation – We combine functional exams, imaging and airway assessment to identify the true cause of your symptoms.
  • Specialized surgical expertise – Dr. Sahar and our surgical team use advanced laser and microsurgical techniques for precise, minimally invasive releases.
  • Integrated myofunctional therapy – Our therapists work with you before and after the procedure to retrain your tongue, lips and facial muscles for lasting results.
  • Collaborative care – We partner with osteopaths, orthodontists or respect the airway and regenerative medicine specialists to address all factors contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
  • Patient centered experience – From gentle sedation options to thorough aftercare, we prioritize your comfort and understanding at every step.

For more information on Myofunctional Therapy, visit our Myofunctional Therapy page. 

We also offer complementary treatments: learn about Regenerative Medicine, Laser Therapy and Sleep Diagnostics on our adult treatment pages. 

Parents researching tethered oral tissues for younger patients should see our pediatric Tongue and Lip Tie Care page for early intervention and child specific protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Tongue & Lip Ties

How do I know if I really need a tongue tie release?

Only a functional evaluation can determine this. We assess how your tongue moves and how its restriction affects your posture, breathing and swallowing.
Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable. You may feel mild pressure during the release and some soreness afterward, but most adults manage discomfort with over the counter medication and cold packs.
Initial healing typically occurs within a week, but full integration of new muscle patterns may take several weeks. Ongoing exercises and follow ups ensure you adapt well.
Yes. Myofunctional therapy is essential for preventing reattachment and teaching your tongue to rest on the palate, swallow correctly and support proper breathing.
Restricted tongue movement can contribute to jaw strain and poor head posture, leading to TMJ pain, headaches and neck tension. Releasing the tie can relieve these symptoms for many adults.
Coverage varies. Our team will help verify benefits and discuss financing options.

For more information on Myofunctional Therapy, visit our Myofunctional Therapy page [LINK]. 

We also offer complementary treatments: learn about Regenerative Medicine [LINK], Laser Therapy [LINK] and Sleep Diagnostics [LINK] on our adult treatment pages. 

Parents researching tethered oral tissues for younger patients should see our pediatric Tongue and Lip Tie Care page [LINK] for early intervention and child specific protocols.

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