What is a Tongue Tie?

A Tongue tie is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. Someone who has a tongue tie might have difficulty sticking out his or her tongue and it can affect the way someone eats, speaks and swallows. Sometimes tongue ties may not cause problems, while other cases may require a simple surgical procedure for correction. So, what are the symptoms and causes of a tongue tie and how can you treat them? Keep reading! 

Symptoms (Children, Teens & Adults)

Below is a list of several symptoms that people of all ages may experience with a tongue tie:

• Trouble with speech sounds difficulty being understood by others, mumbling or speech delay
• Slow/picky/messy eater
• Difficulty chewing food 
• Digestive issues such as: stomach aches, belching, hiccups and acid reflux
• Choking or gagging on foods or liquids 
• Crooked, crowded teeth or narrow, high arched palate
• Thumb – finger sucking habit or prolonged pacifier use 
• Restless sleep (kicking or moving while asleep)
• Grinding of the teeth at night
• Sleeping with mouth open, snoring or noisy breathing
• Jaw joint (TMJ) issues (such as popping, clicking or pain)
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Frequent headaches or neck, back and shoulder tension or pain
• Mouth breathing, which has its own host of negative consequences, ranging from lower oxygen levels, attention deficit disorders, sleep breathing disorders, weaker immune systems
• Frequent ear/sinus/upper respiratory infections
• Difficulty with oral hygiene and higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• Bad posture
• Lack of self confidence

Causes

There are two main causes of tongue-tie; either the frenum is too short and tight, or it did not move back down the tongue during development and is still attached to the tongue tip. Many adults and children will not have problems despite having a short, tight lingual frenum.

Treatments

A surgical procedure known as a frenectomy is performed to release lip, tongue and/or buccal ties. This can be performed using a laser or scissors, with or without sutures for wound closure. The timing of a frenectomy (or release) is determined by the team of healthcare professionals who are working with the patient.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Oralfacial Myofunctional Therapy addresses disorders that interfere with the function of the muscles of the face and the mouth that can affect airway health, feeding, speech, sleep and more. OMT is imperative before any oral tie release to create awareness of oral rest posture, maximize the range of motion and function, and strengthen the oral facial muscles. Ongoing OMT is just as important after the release to reestablish healthy neuromuscular patterns.