Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a common condition that occurs when the tongue cannot move freely due to a tight band of tissue. While tongue-tie is usually harmless, it can cause difficulties with eating and speak in some cases. This article will answer questions about tongue tie in order to help people understand tongue tie and provide guidance on tongue tie treatment in Airdrie.
What is tongue tie?
Tongue-tie is a condition that affects the tongue’s range of motion. It occurs when the tissue connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, called the frenum, is too short or too tight. This can cause tongue-tie symptoms like difficulty speaking, eating, and breastfeeding. Some studies suggest tongue tie is more common in boys than girls and that it occurs more frequently in some cultures than others.
Signs & Symptoms
The most obvious sign of tongue-tie is the inability to stick the tongue out past the lower lip. Other tongue-tie symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, speaking clearly, and producing certain sounds. Babies with tongue tie may have trouble breastfeeding or bottle feeding, as it is harder for them to draw milk in from a nipple or bottle due to the restricted tongue movement.
Diagnosis
Tongue-tie is diagnosed by a doctor or speech and language therapist. The tongue is examined for the presence of tongue tie and whether it restricts tongue movement. In some cases, a scan may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Causes of tongue-tie
The exact cause of tongue tie is unknown, but it may be due to genetic factors or lifestyle habits. Some tongue-tie cases are associated with other conditions, such as Down Syndrome and cleft palate. Tongue tie can also occur when the tongue’s frenum has an unusually tight band of tissue.
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of tongue tie. For example, being male increases the likelihood of tongue tie, as does having a family history of tongue tie. Additionally, tongue-tie is more common in certain cultures than others.
Complications
Tongue-tie can lead to speech and feeding difficulties if it restricts tongue movement. In some cases, tongue-tie can make it hard to form certain sounds and even prevent a baby from latching on properly when breastfeeding.
Treatment for tongue tie
Tongue tie treatment in Airdrie is available with the help of a doctor or speech therapist. The most common tongue tie treatment is a simple procedure called a frenectomy, which involves snipping the tongue’s frenum to release tongue movement. Other tongue tie treatments include speech therapy and exercises to improve tongue mobility.
1. Surgical Treatment
The most common tongue tie treatment is a surgical procedure called a frenectomy. This involves snipping the tongue’s frenum to release tongue movement. It is a very straightforward procedure that can be done quickly and safely, with minimal pain or discomfort.
2. Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical tongue tie treatments include speech therapy and exercises to improve tongue mobility. Speech therapists may teach tongue exercises or stretches to help loosen tongue movement and improve tongue function.
Conclusion
Tongue tie is a condition that affects tongue movement, caused by a tight band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It can cause difficulty speaking, eating, and breastfeeding in babies, and tongue exercises or a surgical procedure to release tongue movement may be recommended. Treatment for tongue tie is available at South Airdrie Smiles in Airdrie with the help of our dentist. The most common tongue tie treatment is a simple procedure called a frenectomy which involves snipping the tongue’s frenum to release tongue movement. Other tongue tie treatments include speech therapy and exercises to improve tongue mobility.
FAQs
1. What is a tongue tie?
Tongue-tie is a condition that affects tongue movement, caused by a tight band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It can cause difficulty speaking, eating, and breastfeeding in babies, and tongue exercises or a surgical procedure to release tongue movement may be recommended.
2. What causes tongue tie?
The exact cause of tongue-tie is unknown, but it may be due to genetic factors or lifestyle habits. Some tongue-tie cases are associated with other conditions, such as Down Syndrome and cleft palate. Additionally, tongue-tie is more common in certain cultures than in others.
3. Is tongue tie treatment available in Airdrie?
Yes, tongue tie treatment is available in Airdrie at South Airdrie Smiles. The most common tongue tie treatment is a simple procedure called a frenectomy which involves snipping the tongue’s frenum to release tongue movement. Other tongue tie treatments include speech therapy and exercises to improve tongue mobility.
