Tongue-Tie: Symptoms, Causes & Cure
Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition that affects the tongue and its mobility. It occurs when excess tissue (lingual frenulum) attaches the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth and restricts tongue movement. This can lead to difficulties with speech, eating, and oral hygiene. It is estimated that 3-10% of infants have tongue-tie, but many cases go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed. This article will discuss tongue-tie: its symptoms, causes, cure, and more.
Symptoms of Tongue Tie
One of the most common symptoms of tongue tie is difficulty sticking out the tongue beyond the lower front teeth – although, in some cases, there may be no visible tongue restriction. Other signs include:
- Inability to move the tongue from side to side, up and down
- Difficulty with speech
- Trouble latching onto a breast for breastfeeding
- Small tongue size compared to other children of the same age
- Noticing tongue movement when trying to make certain sounds
- Crowding of teeth or mouth breathing due to the tongue being too large for the oral cavity
Causes of Tongue Tie
A tongue tie is caused by an abnormally short, thick, or tight lingual frenulum – the tissue that attaches the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth. Some tongue ties are present at birth, and others may appear later. It can also be hereditary and passed down through family generations.
Tongue Tie Cure
The tongue tie cure is a simple procedure known as a frenotomy. During this procedure, the tongue-tied lingual frenulum will be clipped to release the tongue from the floor of the mouth. This can be done with scissors or a laser, which have equal benefits for tongue-tie patients. It’s important to note that tongue-tie does not always need treatment – some cases may resolve themselves over time – but if symptoms persist, then seeking medical advice is advised.
Aftercare After a tongue tie cure has been performed. It’s essential to monitor healing progress and provide care for any discomfort experienced during the healing process. This may include applying a cold compress, avoiding complex and crunchy foods, and using tongue exercises to help stretch the tongue. In addition, speaking with a speech therapist can be beneficial for those who have experienced difficulty speaking due to tongue-tie.
Tongue tie is a condition that affects infants and adults alike. It can cause speech, eating, and oral hygiene difficulty if left untreated. Fortunately, tongue ties can be easily treated by clipping the lingual frenulum or performing a frenotomy. Aftercare should also be considered when treating tongue-tie to ensure a successful recovery without further complications.