Tongue Tie Treatment

Have you ever felt restricted or uncomfortable when moving your tongue? Perhaps you’ve struggled with pronunciation, experienced difficulty while eating, or even had challenges with oral hygiene. These issues can often be attributed to a condition known as tongue-tie, scientifically termed as ankyloglossia. While it’s commonly associated with infants, tongue-tie that is not released will persist into adulthood, causing various difficulties that may require intervention.

Understanding Tongue-Tie

Tongue-tie occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum) is unusually short, thick, or tight. This restricts the normal range of motion of the tongue, affecting its ability to perform essential functions such as speaking, eating, and maintaining oral hygiene. For infants, this condition can interfere with breastfeeding. While older children and adults may struggle with articulation, oral hygiene, and other activities that require full tongue mobility.

We are now beginning to understand that the proper place for the tongue to live is nestled to the roof of your mouth. In children this position of the tongue drives the growth of the upper jaw (the maxilla) forward and wide. Children with tongue ties that are not addressed are more likely to have crowded teeth, V-shaped arches, and retruded lower jaw (mandible).

Treatment Options
A Solution for All Ages

Fortunately, treatment for tongue-tie is available and effective across all age groups. The primary treatment for tongue-tie is myofunctional therapy in conjunction with a simple procedure called frenectomy. This procedure involves a gentle, laser-based approach to release the tongue, allowing it to move more freely. Myofunctional therapy is indicated before the frenectomy to begin to strengthen the tongue and train it to move to the roof of the mouth. After the frenectomy, myofunctional therapy prevents reattachment of the tie. For milder tongue ties, myofunctional therapy alone can lead to improved range of motion and function.

For infants, frenectomy is a quick and minimally invasive procedure often performed in the first few weeks of life. It can significantly improve breastfeeding and prevent complications later on. However, if tongue-tie is not addressed in infancy and persists into childhood or adulthood, the procedure remains equally effective. The process involves local anesthesia and usually takes only a few minutes in the dentist’s office.

Benefits of Tongue-Tie Treatment

1. Improved Oral Function: Enhanced tongue mobility leads to improved speech articulation, better chewing and swallowing, and easier maintenance of oral hygiene.
2. Reduced Discomfort: Patients often experience relief from discomfort or pain associated with restricted tongue movement. The fascia under the tongue is part of a continuous network running from the tongue to the feet. Releasing a tongue tie can give a greater sense of freedom of movement throughout the body.
3. Enhanced Quality of Life: Clearer speech, easier eating, and improved confidence are common benefits reported by patients post-treatment.

Embracing a Better Oral Future

Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s development or an adult struggling with everyday tasks due to tongue-tie, seeking treatment can lead to significant improvements in quality of life. The advancements in dental care make addressing tongue-tie straightforward and effective, ensuring that patients of all ages can enjoy the benefits of improved oral function and comfort.

If you suspect that you or your child may have tongue-tie, please call us to schedule a consultation.