LET’S talk ABOUT TONGUE TIES IN CHILDREN
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WHAT ARE THEY AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
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During the early years of development, the function of the tongue is essential for the proper development of the jaws, speech, feeding, the alignment of the teeth. It’s very important that parents understand the importance of seeking an in-person initial oral examination for your child. This examination can help detect a tongue-tie or other oral functional issues that may be impacting your child’s growth and development. At this visit we will evaluate tongue space, tongue tie, and tongue tone in context with signs, symptoms and sleep. If a tongue-tie is diagnosed, treatment first will involve therapy, which focuses on improving oral muscle function. If additional support is needed beyond therapy, a procedure to release tethered oral tissues may be indicated.
Our goal by treating tethered oral tissues is to help patients breathe, sleep, eat, communicate, and thrive.
Tethered Oral Tissues
CONSQEUENCES OF
untreated TONGUE-TIES
- Increased risk of cavities
- Dental crowding, more narrow jaws
- Vertical facial development, leading to a more narrow airway
- Poor sleep quality, which can lead to poor performance in school/sports/behavior
- Speech delays/difficulties
- Mouth breathing
How do we treat children & adults with tethered oral tissues?
Frenuloplasty
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A frenuloplasty is a procedure performed to remove large, tight, or poorly positioned band(s) of tissue inside the mouth, connected to the lip, cheeks or floor of the mouth (frenum). Once the tissue has been removed, the area will be sutured. These restrictions are commonly referred to as being “tongue-tied” or “ankyloglossia”, but can be found in cheeks, lips or tongue, and we refer to them as “tethered oral tissues” or TOTs.
This procedure may be performed to improve eating, swallowing, mouth breathing, or myofunctional habits.
Frenuloplasty is a routine procedure and is often performed with just local anesthesia in adults and children.
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MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
Myofunctional therapy is an important aspect of both pre- and post-operative care for a functional frenuloplasty procedure. Before the surgery, it helps to prepare the oral and facial muscles for the changes that will occur, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster recovery. After the procedure, myofunctional therapy helps to retrain the muscles to function in their new, correct position, reducing the risk of relapse and promoting long-term success.
It can help alleviate any discomfort or pain that may occur after the surgery and improve the overall function and appearance of the oral and facial structures. Myofunctional therapy is a critical component of a comprehensive treatment plan for functional frenuloplasty, helping to ensure optimal results and improved oral health.