The Hidden Impact of Tongue-Ties on Whole-Body Health

How Lotus Dental Wellness Approaches Ankyloglossia with Precision and Care

At Lotus Dental Wellness, we believe that oral health is deeply connected to whole-body wellness—and one of the clearest examples of this connection is ankyloglossia, commonly known as a tongue-tie.

Often misunderstood or overlooked in adults, tongue-ties can quietly contribute to a range of symptoms far beyond the mouth. From chronic neck tension to poor posture and even restricted hip mobility, the effects of a tethered tongue can ripple through the body’s entire fascial and muscular system.

At our Lake Oswego practice, Dr. Shepard DeLong takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to evaluating and treating tongue-ties. With the precision of laser frenectomy and a requirement for collaborative myofunctional therapy, our goal is to help patients not only experience relief—but long-term functional improvement.

What Is a Tongue-Tie?

A tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the thin band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short, thick, or tight—limiting tongue mobility.

While tongue-ties are commonly identified in infants with nursing difficulties, many children and adults continue to live with undiagnosed or untreated restrictions. In adults, the symptoms are often subtle or misattributed to other causes.

Signs and Symptoms of Tongue-Tie in Adults

• Chronic neck, jaw, or shoulder tension

• Frequent headaches or TMJ discomfort

• Snoring, mouth breathing, or mild sleep apnea

• Speech articulation issues

• Tongue fatigue or discomfort when eating or speaking

• Poor posture or forward head positioning

• Struggles with nasal breathing or diaphragmatic breathing

Over time, a restricted tongue can contribute to compensatory patterns that affect everything from posture to sleep quality.

How a Tongue-Tie Affects the Whole Body

The tongue is not an isolated muscle. It connects to the rest of the body through a web of fascia—a continuous network of connective tissue that links muscles, bones, and organs.

The deep front line, a myofascial chain identified by anatomist Tom Myers, connects the tongue and jaw to the diaphragm, pelvic floor, and hips. When the tongue is restricted, it can create chronic tension along this entire chain, often manifesting as:

• Tightness in the neck, shoulders, or upper back

• Shallow chest or mouth breathing

• Poor core activation or pelvic floor instability

• Limited hip mobility or unexplained tightness

These patterns are particularly evident in individuals who sit for long periods, carry stress in their shoulders, or experience chronic discomfort that hasn't resolved with traditional therapies.

The Lotus Dental Wellness Approach: Whole-Body Tongue-Tie Care

Dr. Shepard DeLong is known for his thoughtful, comprehensive approach to biological and functional dentistry. When it comes to tongue-ties, he prioritizes:

1. Precise Laser Release

Dr. DeLong uses a state-of-the-art dental laser to perform frenectomies. Laser treatment offers a number of benefits:

• Minimally invasive with little to no bleeding

• Faster healing and reduced post-op discomfort

• Lower risk of infection

• Greater precision and control

2. Required Myofunctional Therapy

A successful tongue-tie release goes beyond the procedure itself. Dr. DeLong only treats patients who are actively working with a qualified myofunctional therapist—both before and after release.

Why? Because the tongue is a muscle. Without retraining, it may revert to dysfunctional patterns—or the tissue may reattach.

Myofunctional therapy helps:

• Strengthen and coordinate tongue movements

• Improve nasal breathing and oral posture

• Support proper swallowing and speech

• Ensure long-term stability of results

3. Healing the Whole System

Many patients report significant improvements in seemingly unrelated symptoms after release:

• Relief from neck and jaw pain

• More restful sleep

• Decreased anxiety from improved oxygenation

• Better core stability and posture

For those who’ve tried everything—from chiropractic to massage to physical therapy—a functional tongue-tie evaluation may provide missing answers.

Who Should Be Evaluated for a Tongue-Tie?

You may benefit from a tongue-tie evaluation if you experience:

• Ongoing upper body tension despite treatment

• Difficulty breathing through your nose

• TMJ or bite issues

• A sense that your tongue doesn’t rest comfortably in your mouth

• History of orthodontic relapse or mouth breathing as a child

Infants and children with breastfeeding struggles, speech delays, or sleep disturbances should also be screened early to prevent long-term dysfunction.

Conventional vs. Holistic Approaches: Pros and Cons

Approach Pros Cons Traditional Snip or Clip (Scissors) Quick, often done in-office for infants Limited precision; higher chance of regrowth; may miss deeper restrictions Laser Frenectomy (used at Lotus) Precise, minimal bleeding, faster healing, lower reattachment risk Requires post-op exercises and therapy; practitioner skill varies Without Myofunctional Therapy Short-term relief High risk of reattachment or incomplete function gains Integrated Care (Lotus model) Whole-body benefit, improved outcomes, long-term function Requires commitment to therapy and healing protocols.

We Treat the Whole Person—Not Just the Tongue

At Lotus Dental Wellness, our team is committed to helping you achieve better oral and systemic health through functional, minimally invasive care. Whether you’re an adult living with chronic tension or a parent concerned about your child’s development, we’re here to listen and provide answers.

To learn more or schedule a tongue-tie evaluation, visit www.lotusdentalwellness.com or call our Lake Oswego office today.

Sources

• Yoon, A. et al. (2020). The efficacy of tongue-tie release in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res.

• Myers, T. (2020). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists.

• Simoes, C. T. et al. (2013). Postural and muscular adaptations in children with oral dysfunction.

• Guilleminault, C. et al. (2016). Upper airway resistance syndrome in adults: the role of the lingual frenulum. Sleep and Breathing.

• Pinto, C. (2021). Clinical guidelines and laser technique for infant and adult frenectomy.

• Zaghi, S. et al. (2019). Anatomical considerations in ankyloglossia and the effect of release on airway and function. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.