When most people think about tongue tie (ankyloglossia), they picture infants struggling with breastfeeding. But tongue tie affects more than feeding—it can also play a significant role in sleep quality and airway health for children, teens, and adults.
If you or your child struggles with snoring, restless sleep, or mouth breathing, tongue tie may be part of the problem. Let’s explore the connection between tongue tie, airway function, and sleep health—and what you can do about it.
The tongue is meant to rest comfortably against the roof of the mouth, supporting nasal breathing and airway stability. A tongue tie restricts this natural posture. As a result:
Together, these factors increase the risk of sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and even obstructive sleep apnea.
Children and adults with tongue tie may show the following symptoms:
In children, tongue tie may present as:
Parents may notice these issues long before tongue tie is diagnosed.
Adults with untreated tongue tie may experience:
In some cases, tongue tie release combined with myofunctional therapy can improve airway function and reduce sleep symptoms.
Addressing tongue tie–related sleep issues requires a thorough evaluation. This may involve:
Many patients report improvements within weeks of treatment:
When combined with therapy, outcomes are long-lasting and significantly improve quality of life.
1. Will treating tongue tie cure sleep apnea?
Not always. While tongue tie release can reduce airway obstruction, sleep apnea is often multifactorial. Many patients see improvement, especially when therapy and airway support are added.
2. Can tongue tie cause snoring in children?
Yes. Restricted tongue posture contributes to airway narrowing and snoring. Children with tongue tie often sleep more quietly after treatment.
3. How soon will sleep improve after tongue tie release?
Many families notice changes within days to weeks, though therapy may be needed for lasting results.
4. Does my child need a sleep study before treatment?
If sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study may be recommended. However, many children benefit from tongue tie release and therapy even without a formal study.
5. Is tongue tie release safe for children and adults?
Yes. With CO₂ laser technology, the procedure is precise, quick, and well-tolerated at all ages.
Sleep and airway health are vital at every age. If your child snores, breathes through the mouth, or struggles with restless sleep, tongue tie could be part of the issue. For adults, addressing tongue tie may support better breathing and energy throughout the day.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment to help patients of all ages breathe, sleep, and function better.
👉 Concerned about sleep or airway issues? Schedule a consultation today and learn whether tongue tie treatment can help.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, our goal is to support the well-being of families by addressing restricted oral tissues (ROTs). We cater to patients across all ages, from infants to adults, with an understanding of the diverse needs at each life stage. Our treatments, utilizing cool laser technology, are designed to be as efficient and comfortable as possible. We're dedicated to providing a caring environment, recognizing that each patient's journey towards better oral health is unique.