Tongue Tie

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the frenulum - the thin tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth - is too short or tight. This can restrict the movement of the tongue, which can have several negative health consequences. 

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Here are some of the ways that tongue tie can affect health:

• Breastfeeding problems: babies with a tongue tie may have difficulty latching on to the nipple and feeding effectively. This can lead to frustration for both the baby and the mother. It can also cause weight gain problems for the baby. (Myofunctional Pathways does not treat children for myofunctional concerns until age 4 and we do not provide feeding therapy. We can recommend a qualified provider specifically trained to work with the under 4 population.)

• Speech problems: A tongue tie can make it difficult to produce certain speech sounds, such as "t," "d," "z," "s," "th," "r," and "l." This can lead to speech delays and articulation problems. (Myofunctional Therapy and Speech therapy are not the same type of therapy and they have different goals. At Myofunctional Pathways, we do not offer speech therapy services)

• Dental problems: A tongue tie can cause malocclusion, or crooked teeth, and changes in the bite. It can also contribute to gum disease and other dental problems. 

• Other health problems: A tongue tie has also been linked to a number of other health problems, including sleep apnea, airway problems, and headaches. (Click on the link to see how we can help sleep apnea.)