Tongue Tie
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of skin beneath the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is shorter than usual, restricting the range of motion of the tongue. This condition can impact various functions, including speech, feeding, and oral hygiene.
Symptoms of Tongue Tie
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Infants with tongue tie may struggle to latch onto the breast properly, leading to breastfeeding challenges for both the baby and mother.
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In older children and adults, tongue tie can contribute to speech issues, such as difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
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Limited tongue movement may affect the ability to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums, potentially leading to oral health issues.
Treatment Options
Frenotomy
Procedure: A simple and quick procedure, known as frenotomy, involves cutting the lingual frenulum to release the restriction.
Benefits: Frenotomy is often effective in improving tongue mobility, addressing breastfeeding difficulties, and reducing speech impediments.
Age Consideration: This procedure can be performed in infants, children, and adults.
Myofunctional Therapy
Therapy: Myofunctional therapy involves exercises and techniques to improve the function of the tongue and surrounding muscles.
Benefits: This therapy can be particularly helpful in addressing speech issues and promoting proper tongue posture.
Speech Therapy
Customized Programs: Speech therapists can design personalized programs to address speech difficulties associated with tongue tie.
Collaboration: Collaboration between dental professionals and speech therapists is common for comprehensive treatment.
Dental and Orthodontic Interventions
Orthodontic Evaluation: Tongue tie can sometimes contribute to orthodontic issues. An orthodontic evaluation can help determine if additional interventions are necessary.
Collaborative Care: Collaboration between dentists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists may be necessary for a comprehensive treatment plan.