Tongue-Tie

What is a tongue-tie?

The lingual frenum is the cord of tissue that stretches from under the tongue to the floor of the mouth.  Everyone has a lingual frenum but in some people it is tighter or shorter than it should be.  Tongue-tie, ankyloglossia or restricted frenum are terms used when the frenum is short  and restricts the normal mobility of the tongue.  

Tongue-tie is present at birth, but often goes undetected.  When the tongue is physically anchored to the floor of the mouth by a tongue tie, it can have a negative affect on oral development, oral function, speech, breathing and more.

Symptoms of Tongue Tie

In infants - Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding, colic, reflux, painful nursing, difficulty introducing solids, ear infections

In children- gagging or choking on foods, delayed development of speech, messy or noisy eating, ear infections, teeth grinding, snoring

In adults- chronic headaches or migraines, neck and shoulder tension, jaw pain, teeth grinding, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, narrow  jaws, orthodontic problems or relapse, inability to speak clearly when speaking loud or soft, mumbled speech, poor dental health

How can OMT help?

When someone has been identified as having a tongue-tie, they may require a simple surgical procedure called a "frenectomy" to release the restricted frenum. During an initial assessment in our practice, every client is screened for a tongue-tie and we can help determine if a frenectomy may be required. If a frenectomy may be necessary, you/your child will be referred to an appropriate provider to perform the procedure.

Pre/Post Frenectomy Care

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy(OMT) helps to ensure that your tongue-tie release surgery (frenectomy) is successful.  If you or your child are tongue-tied, the muscles of your tongue have never been used properly, so even after the tongue tie has been surgically released, reattachment or poor control of the tongue can occur.  It is essential to complete a series of exercises and stretches before and after the procedure to rehabilitate the tongue and prevent the frenum from healing back into its original place.

Myofunctional Therapy should begin at least 6 weeks before your procedure is scheduled for best results.  

Contact us today with your tongue tie questions!