TONGUE TIE SOLUTIONS
What is a tongue tie?
A tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the frenulum - the piece of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth - is unusually short or tight. This can limit the range of motion of the tongue and interfere with normal functions such as speaking, swallowing, and breastfeeding. In some cases, the frenulum may extend all the way to the tip of the tongue, making it difficult for the tongue to move freely.
A tongue tie can be diagnosed in infants, children, or adults and may require medical intervention if it causes significant problems with everyday activities. The most common treatment is a simple procedure called a frenectomy, which involves cutting or loosening the frenulum to alleviate symptoms and improve tongue mobility.
Tongue tie signs in Infants & Children
Here are some signs that your child may have a tongue tie:
- Difficulty breastfeeding: Infants with a tongue tie may have difficulty latching onto the breast or may have a weak suck, causing them to fall asleep during feedings or not gain weight as expected.
- Clicking or popping sound during breastfeeding: A tongue tie may cause a clicking or popping sound during breastfeeding due to the tongue not being able to move properly.
- Sleeping or feeding with the mouth open: An infant with a tongue tie may sleep or feed with their mouth open due to difficulty breathing.
- Speech difficulties: As the child grows and starts to speak, a tongue tie can cause speech difficulties such as difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or words and a lisp.
- Difficulty with solid foods: As children transition to solid foods, a tongue tie may make it difficult to move food around the mouth and properly chew.
- Delayed development: In some cases, a tongue tie can cause developmental delays due to associated feeding difficulties.
If your child exhibits any of these signs, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider or a pediatric dentist who can evaluate the child and recommend appropriate treatment options if necessary.
Tongue tie signs in Adults
Here are some signs that an adult may have a tongue tie:
- Difficulty speaking: A tongue tie can interfere with normal tongue movements, leading to difficulty pronouncing certain words, especially those that require the tongue to move rapidly.
- Chronic headaches: People with tongue ties may experience chronic headaches due to the increased muscle strain and tension in the head and neck.
- Sleep apnea: A tongue tie can be a contributing factor to sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep.
- Jaw pain/TMJ: Tongue ties can limit the range of motion of the tongue and cause added strain to the jaw muscles, leading to jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Open mouth breathing: In some cases, a tongue tie can contribute to open mouth breathing and other oral health problems.
If you suspect that you may have a tongue tie, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. A frenectomy, a simple surgical procedure to release the frenulum, is a common treatment option for tongue tie in adults.
What causes tongue ties?
The exact cause of tongue ties in kids is not known. However, some studies suggest that genetic factors may play a role in the development of the condition. Tongue ties are more common in families with a history of the condition, suggesting that there may be a hereditary component. Tongue ties can also occur due to environmental factors such as trauma during birth or abnormal development of the frenulum during fetal development. Additionally, certain medical conditions have also been linked to tongue ties in children, such as Down syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
How are tongue ties treated?
Tongue ties can be treated with a simple surgical procedure called a frenectomy, which involves cutting or loosening the frenulum to improve tongue mobility and alleviate symptoms. Depending on the severity of the tongue tie, a frenectomy may be performed using scissors or a laser.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure itself is typically not painful, and may only involve local anesthesia or none at all. Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the procedure and in some cases a numbing gel or anesthesia may be applied before the procedure.
What is recovery like?
The recovery process after a frenectomy is usually quick and relatively painless. Some patients may experience minor swelling, soreness or discomfort after the procedure, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days.
It's important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the medical professional, such as avoiding hard or crunchy foods that may irritate the area. Gently moving the tongue and practicing exercises to strengthen it, under the guidance of a speech therapist can enhance recovery and prevent scarring.
Overall, a frenectomy is a relatively simple and safe procedure that can provide significant relief from the symptoms of a tongue tie. The recovery process is usually quick and minimally uncomfortable for most patients.
What are the benefits of relieving a tongue tie?
Relieving a tongue tie in a child can provide several benefits, including:
- Improved breastfeeding: In infants, a tongue tie can make it difficult to latch on properly during breastfeeding, which can lead to feeding problems and poor weight gain. By relieving the tongue tie, breastfeeding can become easier and less painful for both the child and mother.
- Better speech development: Tongue ties can interfere with speech development, resulting in speech delays or other speech-related issues. By relieving the tongue tie, the child may have better control and movement of their tongue, allowing them to speak more clearly and effectively.
- Improved oral hygiene: A tongue tie can make it difficult to effectively clean the tongue and teeth, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. By relieving the tongue tie, the child can achieve better oral hygiene, leading to a healthier mouth overall.
- Reduced risk of dental problems: A tongue tie can contribute to dental problems such as malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth) and incorrect jaw development. Relieving the tongue tie can help reduce the risk of these problems and prevent the need for more extensive dental treatment in the future.
- Improved quality of life: By relieving the tongue tie, the child may experience an overall improvement in their quality of life, including better feeding, easier communication and better oral health.
If you believe that you or your child has a tongue tie, please reach out to our office for a consultation.
