A tongue-tie (ankloglossia) is a condition that restricts the tongue movement due to an abnormally short and thick band of tissue usually under the tongue called a frenulum or frenum. A tongue-tie is congenital, meaning it is present at birth. Other areas that tight frenum attachment are present are below the posterior portion of the tongue, inside the cheeks, and between teeth called a diastema (large space between teeth). Common symptoms of tongue- tie are feeding problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux, Aerophagia (swallowing air), gagging, mouth breathing, speech, orthodontic needs, TMJ issues, grinding, neck pain, snoring, sleep apnea, gingival recession, malocclusion and poor tooth movement with orthodontics, high rate of tooth decay, gum disease, forward head posture, and many more. Unfortunately, it is not always detected and can lead to problems with growth and development in children and manifest into adulthood.
How is a Tongue-Tie treated?
A release (or frenectomy) is a procedure performed by a trained tongue-tie specialist treated with a laser. Initial healing time of the wound is approximately two weeks and does not interfere with daily activities. A release is very important should symptoms from a tongue-tie be present.
Not treating a tongue-tie will result in a high, narrow palate with crowded front teeth making the individual susceptible to speech or articulation issues, airway concerns, and orthodontic needs. In addition, if a tongue-tie is not detected as a child or adolescent, the adult can certainly experience symptoms that unfortunately become part of their everyday lives. The good news is that you are never too old to have a release.
Why is Myofunctional Therapy important when treating a Tongue-Tie?
Myofunctional Therapy is imperative when treating a tongue-tie. It is very much a collaborative effort between the treating tongue-tie specialist, the myofunctional therapist, and the patient. Pre-procedure therapy begins eight weeks prior to release. Strength building exercises of the tongue help to ease the procedure and ensures its success!
• After the release, your treating tongue-tie specialist will give you special instructions for stretching the tongue. Myofunctional therapy exercises are equally important to prevent the frenum from reattaching.
• Myofunctional Therapy will strengthen the tongue, teach it how to get into its natural position on the roof of the mouth and further correct the improper swallow that was present. Lastly, if you are mouth breathing, therapy will teach you to comfortably nasal breathe once again.
