The clinical term is ankyloglossia and it’s a condition that is present at birth but may not be diagnosed. Everyone has a band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. At times this band of tissue is overly tight or short restricting movement of the tongue. Some tongue-ties are obvious especially if the restriction is affecting the anterior portion of the tongue. But there are also mid-tongue restrictions (posterior tongue-ties) as well, and these can be more difficult to recognize. That is why evaluation of tongue function is the only reliable way to determine tongue-tie presence as well as severity.
Why is Tongue-Tie an important condition to recognize? Restricted movement may cause poor muscle function affecting breathing, speaking, chewing and swallowing. It may also alter orofacial development in young children.
Treatment for a tongue-tie is done through a simple procedure called a lingual frenectomy most commonly performed using a laser or scalpel. This procedure releases the restrictive oral tissue to allow better movement and range of motion with the tongue. A qualified medical professional will have ample experience in this procedure so finding the right provider is imperative. Your doctor will provide post-procedural stretches to keep the frenum from reattaching as it heals. However, for the best results myofunctional therapy pre- and post- procedure is crucial. Pre-procedure therapy helps stretch the lingual frenum for the best result from the procedure. It also starts to train the tongue in proper positioning.
When it comes to post-procedural therapy, it helps to think of it this way… if you were to break your arm, a cast may be placed while the bones heal. While necessary, this cast restricts movement significantly. What happens to the muscles of the arm during an extended period of immobilization or restricted movement? They become weakened. This is why physical therapy is often needed after such an injury to train and strengthen the muscles. Similarly, when a frenectomy is performed the tongue will have more range of motion, but it is important to strengthen and train the tongue and associated muscles how to properly function after the restriction is removed.
It’s important to bear in mind that tongue-tie release can be complicated by certain factors. Most notably, there must be adequate space for the tongue in the roof of the mouth. In adults with severe ankyloglossia, their orofacial development may have been significantly impacted by their tongue-tie. In such cases, adult expansion may be a necessary first step.
Whether your concern is for yourself, your child, or a loved one, a good place to start is simply to have a conversation. Fill out the Discovery Paperwork and book your free assessment today!
Impairment Contributed to by Tongue-Tie:
- open mouth breathing
- improper swallow/ tongue thrust
- speech challenges
- TMJ/ neck pain/ headaches
- eating/ drinking challenges including choking
- digestive issues
- orofacial growth alterations
- increased risk for sleep apnea
