Tongue Tie
Let's explore a little bit about why your or your child may be struggling with tongue tie, and what we can do to help.
What is 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.
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.)
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DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. THIS COMPANY DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR DENTAL SERVICES OF ANY KIND AND DOES NOT CLAIM TO DIAGNOSE OR CURE ANY ILLNESS OR DISEASE. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. At Myofunctional Pathways LLC, we offer a gentle approach to help patients overcome sleep disorders and breathing issues. Our myofunctional therapy techniques are non-invasive and designed to retrain the muscles in the mouth and face to function properly. We also offer sleep coaching to help patients establish healthy habits and improve the quality of their sleep. We work in close collaboration with your healthcare provider and we never recommend discontinuing your CPAP or other devices without prior consultation with your doctor.