Tongue Tie 101
As Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists in Pennsylvania, we often meet parents who are concerned about their child’s speech, eating habits, or facial development.
One common condition we encounter is tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia. Think of your tongue as a graceful dancer – it needs freedom to move in all directions to perform its daily choreography of speaking, eating, and swallowing.
When there’s a tongue-tie, it’s like the dancer is wearing a restrictive costume that limits their movement.
What Is a Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie occurs when the thin membrane under your child’s tongue (the lingual frenulum) is too short, thick, or tight.
This restriction can affect various aspects of your child’s development and daily functions.
As OMT specialists, we’ve helped numerous children overcome the challenges associated with this condition through Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.
Common Signs Your Child May Have a Tongue-Tie
Feeding Difficulties
- Trouble latching during breastfeeding
- Making clicking sounds while nursing
- Frequent spilling of food or liquids from the mouth
- Difficulty moving food around in the mouth while eating
Speech Challenges
- Delayed speech development
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, especially ‘t’, ‘d’, ‘l’, ‘r’, and ‘n’
- Speaking unclearly or mumbling frequently
- Frustration when trying to communicate
Physical Signs
- Limited tongue movement, especially when trying to lift it or stick it out
- Heart-shaped tongue tip when extended
- Difficulty clicking tongue or holding tongue with suction in the roof of the mouth
- Gap between front teeth
- Difficulty licking an ice cream cone or their lips
How Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Can Help
As OMT specialists, we use specialized exercises and techniques to help children with tongue ties improve their oral function.
Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the mouth but even better by utilizing muscle memory—we work together to strengthen and retrain the oral muscles for better function.
It’s like rewiring the communication from the brain to the muscles to get them to rest in a healthy posture and function correctly.
This therapy can be particularly beneficial before or after any surgical intervention for tongue ties.
The Impact of Early Intervention
Addressing a tongue-tie early through proper evaluation and treatment can prevent numerous developmental issues.
Through our experience with Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, we’ve seen how early intervention can significantly improve:
- Speech clarity and confidence
- Eating habits and nutrition
- Facial development
- Proper jaw growth
- Healthy teeth alignment
- Sleep quality
- Social interactions
Take the Next Step
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your child, don’t wait to seek help.
As Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists, we can evaluate your child’s condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Every child deserves the freedom to speak, eat, and breathe comfortably.
Contact Valley OMT today to schedule a consultation and screening. Together, we can help your child overcome the challenges of tongue-tie and develop proper oral function for a lifetime of success.