Tongue-tie is a condition that occurs when a baby’s tongue can’t move as well as it should due to a fold of tissue connecting the bottom of their tongue to the floor of their mouth. There are various negative effects of this condition that can arise, like challenges foods, low weight, colic symptoms, and more. What many parents don’t realize is that there is also a link between tongue tie and sleep. Continue reading to learn more about tongue ties and how it impacts sleep quality.
How to Tongue-Ties Cause Sleep Issues?
Essentially, the tongue acts as a “scaffold” for the palate, or the food of the mouth. It rests and suctions to the palate, applying pressure and widening the palate. This helps to stimulate nasal passage development and make it easy to breathe. However, when there is a tongue-tie, this restricts the tongue’s movement, causing the palate to develop narrowly. This means a narrow nasal passage, making breathing through the nose more difficult. Ultimately, when a tongue-tie is present, babies are more likely to pick up the habit of mouth breathing as they get older.
Why Is Mouth Breathing a Problem?
Mouth breathing may not seem like a huge deal on the surface, but it can have negative effects over time. Breathing through allows the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and digestion, to take over. On the other hand, mouth breathing triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight or flight response. Being in a fight or flight state can impact one’s ability to reach deeper levels of sleep and getting essential rest.
How Can Tongue-Ties Be Addressed?
There is a simple procedure that can make a huge difference for children who have tongue-ties. A laser frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure where the tissue that holds the tongue to the floor of the mouth is removed, giving the child additional function of their tongue. This procedure uses a highly concentrated beam of light to remove the smallest amount of tissue needed to achieve the desired results. The laser cauterizes the blood vessels along the way, reducing bleeding, discomfort, and swelling. Most infants don’t even need a local anesthetic. The procedure only takes a few seconds, and the recovery time is quick.
If your child has a tongue-tie, having it treated early is essential for their development and can help them develop better sleeping tendencies. By seeking help from their pediatric dentist, you can set them up for a sounder sleep!
About the Author
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids of McKinney, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage work together to treat children in the McKinney community. With their combined experience and expertise, your child can get pretty much everything they need at one convenient location. For more information on lip and tongue-tie or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit their website or call (469) 294-8217.