What is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a congenital condition where a short, thick, or tight band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, limiting its range of motion. This can make it difficult for a child to move their tongue freely, which can affect activities like eating, speaking, swallowing, and breastfeeding. It can also impact the proper growth and development of the palate, jaw function, and even the overall shape of the face.
Symptoms of Tongue-Tie
Common signs of tongue-tie in infants and children include:
- Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or moving it side to side
- Trouble sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth
- A notched or heart-shaped tongue tip
- Nursing or sucking issues
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty swallowing or digestive problems like colic or reflux
- Speech difficulties (in older children)
- Gaps or spaces between front teeth
- Jaw or facial discomfort
Potential Implications of Tongue-Tie
The tongue plays a critical role in the development of the palate, facial bones, and the overall structure of the skull. When tongue movement is restricted, it can lead to problems such as:
- Speech difficulties
- Improper alignment of the teeth (malocclusion)
- Sinus congestion
- Sleep disturbances
- Issues with chewing, swallowing, or a sunken chin appearance
- Plagiocephaly (misshapen head)
Treatment Options for Tongue-Tie
Treatment for tongue-tie can vary depending on the severity and symptoms. In some cases, the lingual frenulum may naturally loosen over time, particularly between six months and six years of age. However, if tongue-tie persists or causes problems, intervention may be needed. Treatment options include:
- Conservative Approaches:
- Orofacial Myology: Specialists may use exercises to strengthen the facial muscles and improve tongue function, particularly when speech deficits are involved.
- Chiropractic Cranial Adjusting SM Care: Chiropractors, like those at Wellesley Chiropractic Office, can evaluate and treat tongue-tie using non-invasive cranial adjustments to promote proper function of the tongue, palate, jaw, and cranial bones. This approach is often effective, especially for posterior or medial tongue-ties.
- Surgical Options:
- Frenotomy or Frenuloplasty: For more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to release the frenulum, either by laser or traditional surgical methods. Surgery is typically considered when conservative care is insufficient, or when the tongue-tie is more anterior, resulting in significant mobility issues.
Why Choose Wellesley Chiropractic Office?
At Wellesley Chiropractic Office, we have over 40 years of experience in pediatric care, chiropractic cranial adjusting SM, and family wellness. If your child has been diagnosed with tongue-tie, even if a surgical release has already been performed, we can evaluate the functional aspects of their spine and cranium to recommend the most appropriate care for optimal outcomes.
