Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. While it’s commonly associated with factors like weight or age, the structure of the mouth and throat can play a surprising role. This blog dives into how tongue and lip ties — often dismissed as minor issues in infancy — can affect airway health, possibly leading to sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea.
What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?
- Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): Caused by a shortened or tight lingual frenulum, a piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- Lip Tie: Occurs when the frenulum attaching the lip to the gums is unusually thick or short.
Both conditions can restrict the movement of the tongue and lips, impacting oral function beyond breastfeeding, potentially affecting speech, eating, and airway health.
Airway Health and Tongue/Lip Ties
Restricted tongue movement can shape the palate and influence facial development:
- High, Narrow Palates: Tongue restrictions prevent the tongue from resting on the roof of the mouth, which can contribute to a high, narrow palate.
- Mouth Breathing: Lack of tongue mobility may lead to habitual mouth breathing, especially during sleep.
- Sleep Apnea: As the tongue cannot rest fully in its natural position, it can obstruct the airway during sleep, potentially leading to sleep apnea.
Screening and Treatment
While tongue ties have traditionally been overlooked in this context, growing research supports screening and, if necessary, treating these ties early on to prevent potential airway issues. Techniques like myofunctional therapy and frenectomies can help by restoring mobility and optimizing oral posture.
Research has shown that musicians who play double reed wind instruments, such as the oboe or bassoon, may have a lower risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A study highlighted in PMC found that the sustained, controlled breathing required for playing these instruments helps strengthen the muscles in the upper airway, improving their tone and reducing the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep. Similarly, a 2006 randomized controlled trial published in BMJ investigated didgeridoo playing as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, showing promising results. The study found that regular didgeridoo playing could help reduce symptoms of OSA by improving the strength of the muscles in the upper airway, suggesting that practices involving sustained breath control may serve as an alternative or complementary treatment for sleep apnea.
Addressing tongue and lip ties early can help prevent airway issues such as sleep apnea. If you or your child shows signs of a tongue or lip tie—like difficulty breathing through the nose or mouth breathing during sleep—it’s important to consult a healthcare provider trained in identifying and treating these conditions. Dr. Alicia McCubbins, one of our expert functional medicine doctors, can provide expert guidance and support. Early intervention can significantly improve overall health and sleep quality.
Schedule a call with a Vytal Health care coordinator today to learn more about how we can help!