How Addressing a Tongue Tie Can Improve Your Child’s Nasal Breathing

How Addressing a Tongue Tie Can Improve Your Child’s Nasal Breathing

At Flourish Airway Collective, we understand that parents want the best for their children’s health, including their ability to breathe easily and sleep soundly. While many factors influence breathing, one lesser-known issue that can significantly impact a child’s ability to breathe through their nose is a tongue tie. Understanding how tongue ties affect nasal breathing can help parents make informed decisions about their child’s airway health.

What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin band of tissue (lingual frenulum) under the tongue is too tight or restrictive. This can limit tongue mobility, affecting a child's ability to breastfeed, eat, speak, and—most importantly—breathe properly.

The Connection Between Tongue Tie and Nasal Breathing

Proper tongue posture plays a crucial role in promoting nasal breathing. Here’s how a tongue tie can interfere with this process:

• Tongue Posture and Airway Support: The tongue should naturally rest against the roof of the mouth, which helps keep the airway open and encourages nasal breathing. A restricted tongue often rests low in the mouth, making it easier for a child to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose.
• Mouth Breathing vs. Nasal Breathing: When a child breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, it bypasses the natural filtration and humidification system of the nasal passages. This can lead to increased respiratory infections, dry mouth, and poor sleep quality.
• Facial and Airway Development: Chronic mouth breathing due to a tongue tie can affect jaw and palate development, leading to a narrow airway and potentially increasing the risk of sleep-disordered breathing conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea.

Benefits of Tongue Tie Release for Nasal Breathing

At Flourish Airway Collective, we offer expert assessment and treatment of tongue ties, helping children experience the benefits of improved nasal breathing:

• Encourages Proper Tongue Posture: With improved tongue mobility, the tongue can rest against the roof of the mouth, promoting natural nasal breathing.
• Reduces Mouth Breathing: By supporting nasal breathing, children experience better oxygen intake, leading to improved energy levels and cognitive function.
• Enhances Sleep Quality: Proper nasal breathing reduces the likelihood of sleep-disordered breathing, snoring, and restless sleep.
• Supports Healthy Facial Growth: Encouraging nasal breathing helps guide proper jaw development, reducing the risk of orthodontic issues later in life.

Signs Your Child May Have a Tongue Tie Impacting Their Breathing

If you notice any of the following symptoms, a tongue tie assessment at Flourish Airway Collective may be beneficial:

• Frequent mouth breathing
• Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
• Chronic congestion or allergies with no clear cause
• Difficulty latching or feeding as an infant
• Speech delays or articulation difficulties

Next Steps for Parents

If you suspect that your child’s tongue tie is impacting their nasal breathing, our team at Flourish Airway Collective is here to help. We specialize in identifying and treating tongue ties to support optimal breathing, sleep, and overall development. A comprehensive assessment can help determine the best course of action to ensure your child thrives.

Take the first step toward better breathing today! Contact Flourish Airway Collective to schedule a consultation and learn more about our tongue tie assessments and treatment options.