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The Comprehensive Guide to Tongue Tie

Have you noticed your kid or you experience breastfeeding, speech, and oral hygiene issues? If so, it might be caused by a condition known as tongue tie. A tongue tie could cause many problems for adults and children; however, effective treatment options can improve oral function, speech, and general well-being.

Explore the following article to learn everything you must know about tongue-tie.

What Is a Tongue Tie?

Ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, is a hereditary disorder restricting the tongue’s range of motion. A narrow, substantial, or dense ring of tissues (lingual frenulum) connects the tongue’s tip with the tongue’s base.

Tongue Tie Vs. Lip Tie

The tongue tie and lip tie are conditions resulting from a tight or short frenulum, which may restrict movement and cause many problems. The tongue tie happens when the frenulum beneath the tongue is too short or tight, and a lip tie occurs when the frenulum is damaged. Both situations differ in location and the specific issues they may cause.

Complications and Problems

Here are a few issues caused by a tongue tie and why seeking treatment is vital.

Difficulty With Breastfeeding

Children with a tongue tie may have difficulty latching onto the nipple or bottle, resulting in insufficient weight gain or malnutrition. This could cause frustration for both the baby and the mother.

Speech Problems

As children with tongue ties develop and learn speech, they may experience difficulty with specific sounds and articulation. This is because the tongue isn’t able to move freely and can’t make the necessary movements for speech.

Oral Hygiene Issues

Maintaining your mouth’s cleanliness can be challenging, which could increase the probability of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, it could cause various orthodontic problems, such as overbite, that can be difficult to resolve.

Orthodontic Issues

Some people with tongue ties may have orthodontic issues like gapping between teeth or overbites. Occasionally, dental crowns may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses these issues and improves teeth’ overall function and appearance; consult a specialist for more information.

Difficulty With Eating and Digestion

As well as breastfeeding problems, tongue ties can lead to eating and digestion problems for adults and children. If the tongue isn’t moving correctly, it isn’t easy to chew food and adequately move into the digestive system.

Treatment Options

If you or your child has a tongue tie, finding a dental provider specializing in tongue tie treatment and dental services for families is essential. Different treatments are available for tongue ties, depending on the severity of the condition and individual requirements. They include:

Frenotomy

Having a frenotomy performed to treat tongue ties is a quick and straightforward procedure that requires cutting or lasering the tightly-strapped band of tissue that blocks tongue movement. The procedure is typically performed on babies and can be carried out in the office of a pediatric surgeon, so it is pretty convenient. The cost for this procedure could vary significantly depending on your healthcare provider and where you live, ranging from $400 to $1,500.

Laser Surgery

Another option to treat the tongue tie is laser tongue tie surgery, which uses lasers to cut through the frenulum. Certain healthcare professionals prefer this option because it’s less invasive and results in less pain and bleeding than conventional frenotomy. However, it could be more expensive.

Myofunctional Therapy

A series of exercises are designed to strengthen the jaw muscles and enhance oral function. Myofunctional therapy may be used along with frenotomy as a standalone treatment. A tongue tie surgery cost of a myofunctional therapy can vary from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the health professional and length of treatment.

Bodywork

It includes holistic methods such as craniosacral treatment and chiropractic care. These aim to release tension in the muscles and tissues of the mouth and neck. The cost ranges from $100 to $200 per session, based on the healthcare provider and the duration of treatment.

The figures could be either way, and it’s advisable to consult your physician for a more accurate estimate to avoid financial shocks.

Key Takeaways

A tongue tie is defined by a tight or short lingual frenulum connecting the tongue to the oral floor. It can result in many issues like difficulty breastfeeding, speech disorders, and oral hygiene issues for adults and infants. If you or your children suffer from this problem, seek a trusted health professional to identify the best treatment plan for your needs. Costs for treatment may vary greatly, so be sure to inquire about the estimated cost before your visit.

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