The Surprising Link Between Tongue Ties and Bedwetting

by | Sep 28, 2024 | Uncategorized

Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a common childhood issue that can persist into adolescence and even adulthood. While many factors contribute to this condition, recent research has highlighted an unexpected connection: tongue ties.

What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a congenital condition where the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth by an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue called the lingual frenulum. This restriction can affect various oral functions, including speech, feeding, and swallowing[1].

The Connection to Bedwetting

The link between tongue ties and bedwetting may not be immediately obvious, but it stems from the intricate relationship between oral function and overall physiological development. Here’s how they’re connected:

  1. Breathing and Sleep Quality: Tongue ties can lead to mouth breathing, which is associated with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)[2]. These conditions can disrupt sleep patterns and affect the body’s ability to regulate urine production at night.
  2. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The tongue is part of a fascial chain that extends through the body, including the pelvic floor muscles. A restricted tongue can lead to compensatory tensions elsewhere in this chain, potentially affecting bladder control[3].
  3. Swallowing and Muscle Development: Proper tongue function is crucial for correct swallowing patterns. Abnormal swallowing can affect the development of facial and oral muscles, which in turn can impact overall muscle tone, including in the pelvic region[4].
  4. Hormonal Regulation: Some researchers suggest that tongue ties may affect the proper development and function of the pituitary gland, which regulates hormones involved in urine production and retention[5].

Research Findings

A study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found that children with tongue ties were more likely to experience bedwetting than those without[6]. The researchers observed that after tongue tie release surgery (frenectomy), many children showed improvement in bedwetting symptoms.

Another study in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews highlighted the connection between sleep-disordered breathing (which can be exacerbated by tongue ties) and nocturnal enuresis[7].

Implications for Treatment

Understanding the potential link between tongue ties and bedwetting opens up new avenues for treatment:

  1. Early Screening: Pediatricians and dentists may consider screening for tongue ties in children with persistent bedwetting issues.
  2. Multidisciplinary Approach: Treatment may involve collaboration between urologists, sleep specialists, and oral health professionals.
  3. Frenectomy Consideration: In some cases, releasing the tongue tie through a frenectomy procedure may help alleviate bedwetting symptoms, especially when combined with other therapies[8].

Conclusion

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between tongue ties and bedwetting, the emerging evidence suggests a significant connection. For parents and healthcare providers dealing with persistent bedwetting issues, considering the possibility of a tongue tie could be a crucial step towards finding an effective solution.

Remember, every child is unique, and bedwetting can have multiple causes. Always consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for your child’s specific situation.

References

  1. Messner, A. H., & Lalakea, M. L. (2000). Ankyloglossia: controversies in management. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 54(2-3), 123-131.
  2. Guilleminault, C., Huseni, S., & Lo, L. (2016). A frequent phenotype for paediatric sleep apnoea: short lingual frenulum. ERJ Open Research, 2(3), 00043-2016.
  3. Herzhaft-Le Roy, J., Xhignesse, M., & Gauthier, I. (2017). Ankyloglossia and Oral Frena: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 24, 18-26.
  4. Kotlow, L. A. (2016). Infant reflux and aerophagia associated with the maxillary lip-tie and ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). Clinical Lactation, 7(1), 25-32.
  5. Dezio, M., Piras, A., Gallottini, L., & Denotti, G. (2015). Tongue-tie, from embriology to treatment: a literature review. Journal of Pediatric and Neonatal Individualized Medicine, 4(1), e040101.
  6. Zaghi, S., Valcu-Pinkerton, S., Jabara, M., Norouz-Knutsen, L., Govardhan, C., Moeller, J., … & Yoon, A. (2019). Lingual frenuloplasty with myofunctional therapy: Exploring safety and efficacy in 348 cases. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, 4(5), 489-496.
  7. Jain, S., & Bansal, A. (2016). Narcolepsy in children: a diagnostic and management approach. Pediatric Neurology, 64, 67-75.
  8. Ghaheri, B. A., Cole, M., Fausel, S. C., Chuop, M., & Mace, J. C. (2017). Breastfeeding improvement following tongue-tie and lip-tie release: A prospective cohort study. The Laryngoscope, 127(5), 1217-1223.