Can Tongue-Tie Impact Vocal Quality?

A tongue-tie is often thought to be an issue that causes a person to slip or stumble over their words; however, it’s actually a condition that impedes normal movements of the tongue. A tight or thick band of tissue under the tongue can restrict movements, which can also occur with the upper lip, known as a lip-tie. Typically, it is diagnosed during infancy after feeding concerns arise, but it may not be noticed until later in life. One of the main symptoms can involve poor vocal quality and here’s why. 

Tongue-Tie Linked to Poor Articulation

Tongue-tie is linked to several complications that can affect a person’s quality of life. Besides eating difficulties and poor sleep quality, it can hinder the ability to speak or sing clearly because the tongue is “held down.” As a result, it can cause speech delays in children. It can also lead to challenges with the flow of speech and the ability to pronounce certain sounds clearly. With talking being more difficult, it can cause issues with the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull on either side of the face.

Treating Lip and Tongue-Tie

Treating tongue or lip-tie is easy by using a frenectomy. Although it’s best to correct the abnormality during infancy, it’s never too late to free the tongue or lip. The overall goal of the procedure involves loosening the connective tissue that limits normal movements. 

Traditionally, surgical scissors or a scalpel are used to snip the tissue after a local anesthetic has been used to numb the area. Although this method is effective, it is often used for patients with thick or tough bands of tissue. Instead, a soft tissue laser is the go-to solution.

A soft tissue laser uses a highly concentrated beam of light energy to free the band. This provides pinpoint accuracy using a less invasive method. A local anesthetic isn’t always needed; however, your dentist may use a topical numbing agent.

Your tongue-tie specialist in Phillipsburg will cut the tissue using the laser, which also cauterizes and sterilizes the area. As a result, there’s less risk of bleeding, inflammation, and infection for a quicker recovery. The tissue will be healed within 1-2 weeks, so the patient should be able to speak and sing without any restrictions. 

Speak and Sing Freely

Whether you need a frenectomy, choose a dentist that embraces the latest technologies and methods. Laser dentistry provides unmatched precision with fewer risks of complications. You’ll never have to worry about tripping over words or being misunderstood from pronunciation issues. Whether you’re singing your favorite song or chatting with a friend, treating a tongue-tie is an investment in your vocal quality. 

About Dr. Garcia-DeMartino

Dr. Garcia-DeMartino earned her dental degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University before continuing her education in periodontics and laser dentistry. She specializes in treating tongue ties using advanced technology for a comfortable process from start to finish. If you believe that you or your child needs a frenectomy, contact our office today to request your consultation.