T O N G U E - T I E | Jahr Osteopathy

TONGUE TIE TREATMENT

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the frenulum—the band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is abnormally short or tight. This restriction can limit the movement of the tongue, potentially affecting a range of functions including speaking, swallowing, breastfeeding, and oral hygiene. Tongue tie can vary in severity, from mild cases where there is little restriction to severe cases where the tongue's mobility is significantly limited.

Principles of Tongue Tie Treatment

Impact on mobility: The tongue plays a crucial role in a variety of functions, from speaking and eating to oral health. When its movement is restricted by a short or tight frenulum, it can lead to difficulties in these functions.
Functional implications: Tongue tie may affect not only speech and feeding, but also oral health, as limited tongue mobility can make it difficult to clear food particles from the mouth, leading to an increased risk of dental issues.
Self-compensation: In some cases, individuals with tongue tie may learn to compensate for their restricted tongue movement, but over time, this can lead to secondary problems such as jaw pain, tension, or improper alignment.

What does Tongue Tie affect?

Tongue tie can have a significant impact on several areas, including:

Breastfeeding difficulties: Infants with tongue tie often have trouble latching onto the breast properly, which can lead to poor feeding, frustration, and challenges with weight gain. Treatment can improve latch and feeding efficiency.
Speech development issues: Limited tongue movement can interfere with the production of certain speech sounds, particularly those that require the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth or teeth, such as "t," "d," "s," and "z." Treatment can help improve articulation and clarity of speech.
Swallowing and eating problems: Difficulty moving the tongue properly can affect swallowing and chewing. Treatment can help restore normal tongue mobility, making it easier to eat and swallow without discomfort or risk of choking.
Oral hygiene challenges: A restricted tongue may make it harder to clean the mouth effectively, leading to the buildup of food particles and an increased risk of dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. Treatment can improve tongue mobility, helping to maintain better oral hygiene.
Jaw and dental alignment: In severe cases, a limited range of motion of the tongue can contribute to jaw misalignment, teeth grinding, or other dental problems. Treatment can help alleviate these issues by restoring normal tongue function and reducing the strain on the jaw and teeth.

How is Tongue Tie diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis:
1. A healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician, dentist, or speech therapist, will assess the tongue's range of motion and check for signs of restricted movement. In infants, this may involve observing breastfeeding.
2. A full assessment of the function and severity of the tongue tie is done to determine if treatment is necessary.
Treatment options:
1. Frenotomy: In mild to moderate cases, a simple surgical procedure called a frenotomy may be performed. This involves cutting the tight frenulum to release the tongue's movement. This procedure is often quick and done under local anesthesia.
2. Frenuloplasty: In more severe cases, a frenuloplasty, a more extensive procedure, may be performed to release the frenulum and improve tongue mobility.
3. Speech therapy and exercises: After treatment, speech therapy or oral exercises may be recommended to help the individual strengthen their tongue muscles and improve function.
4. Breastfeeding support: In infants, breastfeeding support and lactation consultation may help improve feeding techniques after treatment.
Post-treatment care and prevention:
1. After treatment, exercises or stretches may be recommended to ensure the tongue's full range of motion is restored.
2. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor progress, especially in children, to ensure the tongue continues to develop normally.

Tongue tie is a treatable condition, and with the right care, individuals can regain proper tongue function and reduce the impact on speech, feeding, and oral health.