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  • 2245 Bluebird Drive Westminster, MD 21157
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Tongue Tie

Tongue Tie Before and After
Tongue Tie Test

How high can you lift your tongue?

Has your dentist noticed anything different under your tongue?

A tongue tie can be a contributing factor to crooked teeth, acid reflux, choking from not being able to swallowing correctly, sleep apnea, TMD and neck, jaw pain, lastly speech issues. These are just some of the symptoms. If you suspect a tongue tie, look for a Certified Orofacial Myofunctional (COM™️) therapist to help determine if this is the problem. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 410-746-4887, Innovative Myofunctional Therapy in Maryland.

Tongue-tie issues are the most underdiagnosed OMD’s because the resulting consequences are often masked or go unnoticed. Most medical and dental professionals are taught to look solely at the physical characteristics of the lingual frenum, without noting other factors influenced by the tongue-tie (also known as ankyloglossia).

Speech is often unaffected in tongue-tie patients, which is one reason this OMD may be considered harmless and often goes untreated. However, many other factors are influenced by a short lingual frenum, such as feeding difficulties, poor bolus manipulation during chewing and swallowing, acid reflux due to lack of being able to move the tongue freely, suction and orally swallow, uncontrolled salivation, and tongue-thrusting. Oral and dental hygiene is often negatively affected, as the tongue needs to reach all areas of the mouth to sweep away excess food when eating. Social issues such as licking an ice cream cone or kissing can be difficult for the patient with ankyloglossia.

The therapist will gladly evaluate the patients for tongue-tie and help you determine if a frenectomy is necessary. Once determined if frenectomy is nesscessary therapy prior to release is very important to work with compensations and after release to work with wound care to gain optimal mobility and function of the tongue muscles.

A frenectomy is the removal of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far. It can refer to frenula in several places on the human body. It is related to frenuloplasty, a surgical alteration in a frenulum. (Wikipedia)

Fortunately, a frenectomy (the removal or or repositioning of the frenum) is typically a simple  outpatient procedure, usually performed in early childhood.

Lip ties upper or lower lip cause:

  • Inability to sustain a latch with breastfeeding
  • Orthodontic problems: large gaps between from teeth relapse after orthodontic care 
  • Dental decay on upper front teeth when still nursing 
  • Speech problems (Bilabial sounds)
  • Esthetic problems
  • If cut due to injury may bleed extensively 
  • May contribute to lip incompetence