When most people hear “tongue-tie,” they think of newborns struggling to breastfeed. But tongue-tie—also known as ankyloglossia—isn’t just a pediatric issue. Many adults live with undiagnosed tongue-ties that affect their breathing, posture, speech, sleep, and jaw health.
At Fairlington Dental in Arlington, VA, we offer modern evaluation and treatment for adult tongue-tie as part of our airway-focused, whole-body care. If you’ve been dealing with chronic tension, sleep issues, or TMJ symptoms, the root cause could be right under your tongue.
What Is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie is a condition where the lingual frenulum (the band of tissue under your tongue) is too short or tight, restricting the tongue’s natural movement. While some cases are severe and obvious at birth, others are mild and go unnoticed into adulthood.
Even a mild restriction can lead to compensation patterns that affect how you breathe, speak, and use facial muscles.
Signs You May Have an Undiagnosed Tongue-Tie
- Chronic neck, jaw, or shoulder tension
- TMJ pain or popping
- Clenching or grinding teeth (especially at night)
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Sleep apnea or loud snoring
- Trouble articulating certain speech sounds
- Poor posture or forward head position
- Frequent choking or swallowing difficulty
These symptoms often get misdiagnosed or dismissed—but a proper tongue-tie evaluation can bring clarity.
How Tongue-Tie Impacts Oral and Whole-Body Health
A restricted tongue affects:
- Breathing: It encourages mouth breathing, which can lead to dry mouth, inflammation, and disrupted sleep.
- Posture: Tongue placement influences head and neck alignment. Compensation from poor tongue mobility leads to muscle strain.
- Sleep: Tongue-tie often plays a role in sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome.
- Jaw Development: Improper tongue posture can contribute to underdeveloped jaws and misalignment.
- Digestive Function: Poor tongue mobility may impair chewing and swallowing.
Our Approach to Tongue-Tie Treatment at Fairlington Dental
1. Comprehensive Functional Exam
We evaluate tongue mobility, airway space, posture, and symptoms using clinical tools and patient history.
2. Collaboration With Myofunctional Therapists
Before and after any procedure, we often recommend myofunctional therapy to retrain the tongue and oral muscles for proper function.
3. Laser Frenectomy
We use soft-tissue dental lasers to gently release the frenulum with minimal discomfort and rapid healing. Laser release is precise, sterile, and requires no sutures.
4. Follow-Up and Support
We guide you through exercises and follow-up visits to ensure optimal healing and integration.
Benefits of Adult Tongue-Tie Release
- Improved sleep and reduced snoring
- Relief from TMJ tension and chronic jaw pain
- Easier nasal breathing
- Better speech and articulation
- Improved digestion and swallowing
- Enhanced posture and facial balance
Why Adults in Arlington Are Seeking Tongue-Tie Treatment
With growing awareness of airway health and functional dentistry, more adults are discovering that their symptoms have a common root cause. At Fairlington Dental, we provide judgment-free, evidence-based care for adults ready to take control of their health.
We proudly serve Arlington, VA with solutions that go beyond surface symptoms.
Discover If a Tongue-Tie Is Holding You Back
If you suspect a tongue-tie could be affecting your quality of life, let’s talk. Schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team and find out how a simple release could unlock major improvements.
Schedule your tongue-tie assessment →
