Surprising Signs You Might Have a Tongue Tie—And Not Know It

Most people associate tongue tie (also called ankyloglossia) with babies who have trouble breastfeeding. But what many don’t realize is that undiagnosed tongue tie can persist into adulthood, causing a wide range of frustrating symptoms—often without you even knowing the root cause.

At NYC Tongue Tie, Dr. Gregory Levitin, a board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, specializes in diagnosing and treating tongue ties in adults and children alike. With over 2,500 tongue tie release procedures to his name, Dr. Levitin has developed a quick, pain-free, laser-free release technique that requires no hospital visit, no sutures, and no downtime.

If you’ve been struggling with unexplained tension, snoring, speech issues, or jaw pain, read on. These could be the hidden signs of a tongue tie you never knew you had.

What Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum—the band of tissue connecting the underside of your tongue to the floor of your mouth—is too short or tight. In babies, this can affect nursing, but in adults, it can quietly interfere with many essential functions: breathing, speaking, chewing, swallowing, posture, and even sleep.

Because these issues develop slowly or are misattributed to other causes, many adults live their entire lives compensating—until the symptoms become too persistent to ignore. Some surprising signs you might have a tongue tie include:

• Chronic Jaw or Neck Tension: An immobile tongue forces the muscles in your jaw, neck, and shoulders to overwork—leading to tightness, soreness, and fatigue. If you’re grinding your teeth at night or clenching your jaw during the day, a tongue tie could be at the root of it.
• TMJ Pain or Clicking: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can suffer from poor tongue mobility. Overcompensation from nearby muscles can lead to jaw misalignment, clicking, or even dislocation.
• Snoring or Sleep Apnea: Your tongue plays a key role in maintaining an open airway during sleep. A restricted tongue may fall back into the throat, blocking airflow and contributing to snoring or obstructive sleep apnea—a potentially serious condition that affects up to 22 million Americans, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.
• Speech Difficulties: While not always severe, adult tongue ties can subtly affect articulation—especially with sounds like “L”, “R”, “S”, and “Th.” Many patients have grown accustomed to altering speech patterns to compensate.
• Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing: Struggling to finish meals quickly or chewing slowly may signal poor tongue mobility. Some adults even choke or gag easily while eating—often without realizing why.
• Poor Posture or Chronic Tension: Yes, tongue position affects posture. When your tongue can’t rest comfortably against the roof of your mouth, it throws off the alignment of your head, neck, and spine—leading to chronic tightness or slouching.

The Good News: Treatment Is Simple, Fast, and Effective

At NYC Tongue Tie, Dr. Levitin has pioneered a minimally invasive, laser-free tongue tie release procedure that typically takes just 10 minutes. After a small amount of local anesthesia is administered, Dr. Levitin releases the restricted tissue without sutures or lasers, using his own specialized technique.

There’s no hospital trip, no sedation, and no downtime. Patients can eat and drink immediately after, and most experience immediate improvement in symptoms like tension, tongue mobility, or speech.

Dr. Levitin’s extensive experience and surgical precision ensure a safe and highly effective outcome—with virtually no complications. In fact, most patients do not require a follow-up visit.

Why Choose Dr. Gregory Levitin?

With thousands of successful procedures and a reputation for precision and compassion, Dr. Gregory Levitin is a trusted authority on tongue tie diagnosis and treatment. His background in head and neck surgery gives him a unique understanding of how tongue restrictions impact the entire body, from the mouth to the airway to posture.

Dr. Levitin’s technique is ideal for busy adults looking for a fast, permanent solution without the risks of traditional surgery.

Don’t Live With Discomfort That Can Be Fixed

If you’ve been dealing with persistent jaw pain, snoring, speech trouble, or unexplained tension, you may be one simple procedure away from lasting relief. Visit NYC Tongue Tie to schedule your consultation with Dr. Gregory Levitin and discover if a hidden tongue tie is the cause of your symptoms.

It’s time to stop compensating—and start breathing, speaking, and living better.