Sleep problems can feel overwhelming — especially when they affect your baby or child. While there are many reasons for restless nights, one often-overlooked factor is tongue tie, also called ankyloglossia. This condition may begin with difficulties in breastfeeding, but its effects can extend far beyond infancy, contributing to oral dysfunction, airway challenges, and even long-term sleep-disordered breathing.
At the Center for Orofacial Myology (CFOM) in Boise, we see every day how early oral function sets the stage for lifelong health. In this blog, we’ll explore:
-
What tongue tie is and how it affects infants, children, and adults
-
The connection between tongue tie, airway development, and sleep
-
How treatments like frenectomy and myofunctional therapy can help
-
Why early intervention is key — but also how it’s never too late to find solutions
What Is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie is a congenital condition present at birth. It occurs when the frenulum — the small band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth — is too short, thick, or tight. This restriction can limit the tongue’s range of motion, making it harder to move freely.
In infants, this often shows up as:
-
Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
-
Clicking sounds while nursing
-
Poor weight gain or frustration during feeds
-
Nipple pain for the breastfeeding parent
In older children and adults, signs may include:
-
Trouble pronouncing certain sounds
-
A tongue that looks “heart-shaped” when extended
-
Limited ability to lift the tongue to the roof of the mouth
-
Mouth breathing, snoring, or other sleep disturbances
Tongue Tie and Its Impact on Sleep
When we think about tongue tie, most people picture breastfeeding challenges. But the tongue plays an equally important role in airway health and sleep quality.
1. Breathing Difficulties
A restricted tongue can struggle to rest in the correct position — against the roof of the mouth. Instead, it may fall backward during sleep, narrowing the airway. This can contribute to:
-
Snoring
-
Restless or noisy breathing
-
Sleep-disordered breathing and, in some cases, sleep apnea
2. Poor Oral Posture
The tongue’s natural resting position shapes the growth of the jaws and airway. If the tongue can’t rest on the palate, the upper jaw may become narrow, leading to crowded teeth and a smaller airway. Children often compensate by mouth breathing, which dries out the airway and disrupts normal sleep cycles.
3. Disrupted Sleep Patterns
When the airway is compromised, the body wakes frequently to restore breathing. This can mean:
-
Frequent night wakings
-
Tossing and turning
-
Daytime grogginess, crankiness, or trouble focusing
For children, poor sleep doesn’t just mean being tired — it can affect behavior, learning, and overall development.
Other Developmental Effects of Tongue Tie
Beyond sleep, untreated tongue tie can affect many areas of life:
-
Feeding and Lactation: Babies may struggle to transfer milk effectively, leading to early weaning or reliance on bottles. Parents often experience discomfort and frustration, too.
-
Speech and Swallowing: Restricted tongue movement can interfere with articulation, swallowing patterns, and oral motor coordination.
-
Dental and Orthodontic Health: Without proper tongue pressure, the palate may not expand as it should, leading to crooked teeth, open bites, or jaw alignment issues.
-
Airway Development: Mouth breathing and low tongue posture can result in narrower airways, setting the stage for lifelong breathing challenges.
Treatment Options
The good news: tongue tie is treatable, and the earlier it’s addressed, the better.
Frenectomy (Tongue Tie Release)
A frenectomy is a quick, safe procedure that releases the tight frenulum, allowing the tongue to move more freely. For infants, this can make an immediate difference in breastfeeding. For older children and adults, it creates the foundation for healthier oral posture and breathing.
Myofunctional Therapy
After a release, the tongue and oral muscles often need retraining. Orofacial myofunctional therapy uses exercises to:
-
Strengthen the tongue and facial muscles
-
Encourage proper tongue posture against the palate
-
Support nasal breathing over mouth breathing
-
Improve swallowing and chewing function
For children and adults, therapy is often the key to turning new tongue mobility into lasting oral health.
A Team Approach
At CFOM, we take a multidisciplinary approach. Our therapists collaborate with lactation consultants, pediatric dentists, ENTs, and sleep specialists when needed. This ensures that each patient — whether an infant, child, or adult — receives the right combination of care for optimal outcomes.
Why Early Intervention Matters
When tongue tie is identified and addressed early, families often see immediate improvements in feeding and sleep. But even if it’s not caught in infancy, treatment is still highly effective later in life. Adults who undergo tongue tie release and therapy often report better sleep, reduced snoring, and relief from chronic jaw tension or headaches.
The earlier tongue tie is treated, the more naturally the airway and oral structures can grow. But it’s never too late to improve function and sleep quality.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep and Health
If your child is struggling with breastfeeding, mouth breathing, restless sleep, or speech issues, tongue tie may be the underlying cause. At the Center for Orofacial Myology in Boise, our team specializes in identifying and treating tongue ties at every stage of life.
Call (208) 793-7006 today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation. Together, we’ll explore your concerns, provide an expert evaluation, and guide you toward solutions that can help your family thrive.