When our children fall ill, we do everything in our power to make sure they get better.
This is no different when it comes to oral health. And while tooth decay remains serious and is the #1 most common chronic disease of childhood, you should also focus on other problems such as feeding, speech, and sleeping while visiting the dentist. A tongue tie is a part of issues that children may have that will interfere with feeding, speech and sleeping.
In this article, we’ll learn more about tongue ties and what kind of treatment options are available for your child.
What are tongue ties?
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where your child’s frenulum, a piece of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth, gets too tight or too short.
This can limit the movement of the tongue, and affect their speech, and capabilities for breastfeeding, sleeping, and eating.
While tongue tie is often present at birth, it can sometimes go undiagnosed for several years. Symptoms can vary, and not all cases need to be treated.
In some cases, tongue-tie can cause significant difficulties for your children which can lead to speech defects as well as feeding concerns. They may need treatment before the condition gets worse.
What are some typical tongue-tie treatment options?
Tongue-tie can cause difficulties with breastfeeding, eating, and speaking, among other things. If your child is experiencing symptoms of tongue tie, there are several treatment options available.
Frenectomy
Frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that involves cutting the frenulum to release the tongue’s movement.
This tongue-tie treatment is also effective in making breastfeeding easier for your child.
Myofunctional therapy
Myofunctional therapy focuses on strengthening muscles that help with chewing and swallowing.
This therapy is often used in conjunction with a frenectomy or as a standalone treatment option. It can also improve the speech articulation and oral hygiene of your child.
Speech therapy
Speech therapy is another option for addressing tongue-tie symptoms, especially for those who experience speech difficulties.
Speech therapists can help identify specific speech patterns affected by tongue-tie. They are also in charge of making exercises and strategies to improve speech articulation and clarity.
Speech therapy can also help children with tongue-tie to improve their communication abilities.
Lifestyle modifications
Making lifestyle modifications is also a very effective tongue-tie treatment.
For infants, changing the feeding position or using a different type of bottle or nipple may help improve breastfeeding.
For older children, practicing proper oral hygiene is a must, and tongue ties may increase oral debris and food in the mouth due to an improper swallow. Brushing and flossing can certainly help reduce the risk of cavities.
Certain dietary modifications, such as avoiding foods that are difficult to chew or swallow, can also help improve eating and digestion.
Not all children with tongue ties require treatment. But when the problem limits normal activities, you will need the help of a pediatric dentist like us at Children’s Choice. Here, we also have an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist and work using a team approach in care with those such as speech therapists, feeding and swallowing specialists, and even sleep specialists.
Reach out to us at
Children’s Choice and let us help you help your child thrive.
Schedule an appointment by calling (202) 410-0088 today!