The Holistic Approach To Tongue Ties and Airway Health

By Gena Schultheis, DDS

Maryland Holistic Dentistry

. https://marylandholisticdentistryannapolis.com

More Dental Health Articles

The Holistic Approach To Tongue Ties and Airway Health

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) is too short or tight, restricting movement. While often associated with breastfeeding difficulties in infants—such as poor latch and nipple pain—it can also impact speech, dental development, and airway function throughout life. A holistic approach to tongue ties considers not just the mouth but the entire body, including airway health, posture, and overall wellness.

How Tongue Ties Affect the Body

Tongue ties can contribute to a wide range of symptoms beyond feeding difficulties. In infants, they may cause reflux, excessive gas, prolonged feeding times, and poor weight gain. As children grow, unresolved tongue ties can lead to speech delays, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, and even picky eating due to sensitivity to food textures.

In adulthood, tongue ties can contribute to jaw tension, TMJ disorders, poor sleep quality, snoring, mouth breathing, and even chronic headaches or neck pain. Since the tongue plays a crucial role in airway function, restricted movement can impact breathing patterns, leading to long-term health concerns.

A Holistic Perspective On Oral and Airway Health

At our office, we take a whole-body approach to oral health by evaluating how tongue ties affect airway development, posture, and overall function. Some of the holistic services we offer include:

Tongue Tie Evaluations and CO2 Laser Treatment – Using advanced laser technology, we perform tongue tie releases with minimal discomfort and faster healing times.

Myofunctional Therapy – Exercises designed to strengthen the tongue and facial muscles to improve breathing, chewing, and speaking.

Sleep and Airway Assessments – Identifying issues like mouth breathing, snoring, and restless sleep that may be connected to oral structure and tongue positioning.

TMJ and Jaw Pain Therapy – Addressing jaw joint dysfunction related to tongue posture and oral muscle tension.

Pediatric Feeding and Speech Support – Helping babies and children with feeding difficulties and speech development issues related to tongue ties.

Comprehensive Dental Care with a Functional Focus – Looking beyond cavities and gum health to consider how the mouth impacts whole-body wellness.

Advanced CO2 Laser Treatment For Infants

We have the ability to use CO2 lasers at our office in Crownsville, allowing us to release tongue ties in infants and babies without the need for anesthesia. This advanced laser technology reduces scar tissue formation and, when combined with our guided stretching and exercises, significantly lowers the risk of reattachment.