Exploring Tongue Tie in Children and Adults
Exploring Tongue Tie in Children and Adults: Comprehensive Insights and Management Strategies
Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition characterized by a restricted lingual frenulum, the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This restriction can impact the tongue’s range of motion and coordination necessary to complete daily functions, such as chewing, swallowing, and breathing. Tongue tie has the potential to significantly impact speech, eating, and oral health. At BreatheWorks, we prioritize a whole patient approach, considering the unique needs of individuals across all ages when considering tongue tie’s impact on overall function.
Types of Tongue Tie
Ankyloglossia, while common, can look different depending on the individual and range in severity of restriction. Common types include:
- Anterior Tongue Tie: The frenulum attaches at the front of the tongue, visible upon inspection, and usually impacting ability to protrude (stick tongue out) and lateralize (move tongue side to side).
- Posterior Tongue Tie: Less visible to the eye, where the frenulum attaches closer to the base of the tongue, and impacts the ability to raise the back of the tongue to the roof of the mouth. Posterior tongue movement is an essential part of rest posture and swallow function.
Prevalence and Clinical Implications
Tongue tie is fairly common, affecting about 4-11% of newborns. Its prevalence in adults is less documented but significant, often diagnosed in the context of speech difficulties, dental issues, or sleep apnea assessments. The prevalence of tongue tie across the lifespan necessitates careful assessment of structure and function of the mouth as they pertain to functional activities. Importantly, incorrect diagnosis is common and can lead to improper care and management of related symptoms.
Symptoms of Tongue Tie
- In Infants and Children: Difficulty breastfeeding, speech delays, and challenges with certain textures or food, mouth breathing.
- In Adults: Articulation difficulties, challenges with certain food textures, tension near the tongue, jaw, or neck muscles, and potentially sleep-disordered breathing or snoring due to airway obstruction.
Causes of Tongue Tie
Primarily congenital, the exact cause is often unknown. Genetic factors may play a role, and in adults, changes in oral health or compensatory behaviors can exacerbate related symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment Pathways
Diagnosis involves careful physical and functional assessments by healthcare professionals, including otolaryngologists or speech pathologists, considering factors like tongue mobility, speech articulation, and oral health status. The severity of the restriction must be taken into consideration only as it relates to improper oral function. Treatment, when necessary, may include:
- Frenectomy: Surgical intervention to release the restriction of the frenulum and increase range of motion. Completed in-office with local anesthesia.
- Frenuloplasty: Recommended for more complex cases, especially in adults, where the frenulum is thicker or other oral issues are present.
- Speech and/or Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: ensuring optimal function and coordination of the oral cavity including the tongue, lips, teeth, and jaw, as they contribute and collaborate for proper articulation, feeding, and overall oral health. These therapies may happen without surgical intervention or as part of pre- and post-operative care.
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BreatheWorks' Comprehensive Approach
Together with a specialized team of ENTs, dentists, orthodontists, and lactation consultants, BreatheWorks strives to provide whole-patient care, including:
- Whole-Patient Assessment: Conducted by a Speech-Language Pathologist, we take a detailed case history to get a clear picture of your body’s story and assess the function of the speech, swallowing, and breathing mechanisms. We will observe how the muscles perform tasks like speaking, chewing, swallowing, clearing your teeth, and breathing and identify the contributing factors that may relate to your symptoms.
- Collaborative Expertise: Engaging dentists, orthodontists, primary care providers, physical therapists, pulmonologists, sleep specialists, and nutritionists to provide comprehensive care.
- Customized Treatment Plans: Tailored to address the specific challenges faced by children and adults, ensuring optimal function for speech and voice production, breathing and sleep health, and chewing and swallowing.
- Ongoing Support: Guidance for families and individuals, including home exercises and strategies for long-term management.
Conclusion
Severe tongue tie affects individuals differently across the lifespan, with unique challenges at each stage. At BreatheWorks, we adopt a patient-centered and interdisciplinary approach, ensuring comprehensive care for improving speech, eating, and oral health for both children and adults. By addressing the specific needs and impacts of tongue tie, we aim to enhance overall well-being and functionality.
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Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD)
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) refer to a group of conditions characterized by abnormal patterns of muscle function and incorrect habits involving the face, mouth, and throat. These disorders can affect various aspects of oral function, including speech, swallowing, breathing, and facial development. Examples of OMD include tongue thrust (where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing or at rest), open mouth posture (habitual mouth breathing with the mouth consistently open), and incorrect tongue resting position. OMD can contribute to dental malocclusions, speech articulation difficulties, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and other orofacial issues.Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT or MYO)
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a specialized form of therapy designed to address and correct Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD). It focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat to achieve proper resting posture, swallowing patterns, and speech articulation. OMT involves a variety of exercises, techniques, and behavioral modifications tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals. The goals of OMT include improving orofacial muscle strength and coordination, correcting abnormal swallowing patterns, promoting nasal breathing, and enhancing overall oral function and health. OMT is typically provided by speech-language pathologists or therapists trained in orofacial myofunctional therapy techniques.Benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) can be highly beneficial for individuals with Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD). By addressing underlying muscle dysfunction and promoting proper oral habits, OMT can help improve speech clarity, correct swallowing patterns, alleviate breathing difficulties, and optimize facial development. However, the effectiveness of OMT depends on various factors, including the severity of the OMD, the individual’s commitment to therapy, and consistency in practicing exercises and techniques. OMT is often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists, orthodontists, and ENT specialists, especially when addressing complex orofacial issues.We hold space in our clinicians’ schedules for new patients because we know that early intervention is the best approach. We like to see new patients in less than 2 weeks and typically schedule phase one treatments during the first visit. We can see you virtually or in person. Get started now.