Tongue-tie

A tongue-tie is also known as a restricted lingual frenum. The lingual frenum is the string or band of tissue under the tongue — we all have one. It connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. In some people however, the frenum is too tight or too short. This is a problem because it restricts the movement of the tongue and prevents the tongue from resting in the correct place. Improper tongue position and dysfunction can cause a number of health problems, including airway issues.

The entire tongue should be resting in the palate

There are two types of tongue-ties:

Anterior Tongue-Tie

This is the most obvious type of tongue-tie. It is usually easily diagnosed and treated because it is very visible and is located towards the tip of the tongue. It can be diagnosed as early as infancy when mother’s report of problems with breastfeeding such as issues with latching, milk production, or pain.

Posterior Tongue Tie

Posterior tongue-ties are commonly over-looked because they’re usually not obvious at first glance. The restriction is more towards the back of the tongue. Visual signs of a posterior tongue-tie are subtle but symptoms of tongue restriction and dysfunction are very similar to an anterior tongue-tie.

How orofacial myofunctional therapy can help

For most tongue-tied patients, a tongue frenectomy is recommended.  A frenectomy is a simple and quick surgical procedure for releasing a tight or short frenum. This is procedure can be performed by a doctor, dentist, or ENT.

It is critical to start with myofunctional therapy before the frenectomy to gain strength and control of the tongue. Myofunctional exercises are important for proper wound healing and help with the process of regaining full function of the tongue. Removing the restriction alone won’t allow the orofacial muscles to function optimally. Imagine having your tongue (a very strong muscle) tethered to the floor of your mouth all your life and one day it’s “let loose” — your tongue won’t know where to go! Without control of this strong muscle, your tongue will be all over the place. Post-surgical exercises are also necessary to prevent the frenum from reattaching, which would potentially require another surgery.

Post-frenectomy patients should expect to feel or see:

• better sleep

• less teeth clenching and grinding

• better tongue movement

• more relaxed tongue

• the tongue resting closer to the roof of the mouth

• more relaxed neck and shoulder muscles

• better neck and back posture

• changes to a Dowager’s hump

• less tension around the face and base of the skull

• less straining and compensating when doing myofunctional exercises