Tongue Tie
In the past, a tongue tie was thought to be something that only affected babies and breast-feeding. As we are learning more, we are finding that the problems associated with tongue tie can affect both adults and children of all ages.
A tongue tie is also known as a tethered oral tissue (TOT) or a restricted lingual frenum. The frenum is the band of tissue under the tongue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. While we all have one, in some people it is too tight or too short. This can restrict the movement of the tongue as well as prevent it from resting in the correct place against the roof of the mouth.
When the tongue fills up the roof of the mouth it provides a support structure for the upper jaw. If it is in the correct place your teeth will grow in straighter and your face will develop properly. A tongue tie prevents this by keeping your tongue “tied” to the bottom of your mouth.
A myriad of issues can happen for people who are tongue-tied. They often breathe through their mouth which causes them to experience a variety of myofunctional problems and symptoms. Studies show that children who are tongue-tied are more likely develop sleep apnea or airway issues. Also, people who are tongue-tied may have an increased incidence of headaches, clenching and grinding, jaw and facial pain, as well as dental and orthodontic issues.
As we are learning more about this, releasing a tongue tie is becoming an integral part of achieving optimal oral and dental health. In myofunctional therapy we can help with this process by working with the patient doing pre-op exercises, help with wound care, as well as retraining and strengthening the muscles post release.
With the proper tongue tie release and assistance with myofunctional therapy, the treatment is easy, and the results are permanent and life changing. Even if you choose not to do the tongue tie release surgery, myofunctional therapy may help, especially in mid and posterior tongue-ties.