Are you experiencing or have your children had difficulties with breastfeeding, speech, and oral hygiene? If yes, it may be caused by a condition known by the term tongue tie. A tongue tie can trigger various problems for adults and children; however, effective treatment options can help improve oral function, speech, and general quality of life.
Explore the following article to learn all you must know about tongue-tie.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
Ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, is a congenital condition restricting the tongue’s range of motion. A small, large, or tightly woven ring of tissue (lingual frenulum) that connects the tongue’s top and the jaw’s floor.
Tongue Tie Vs. Lip Tie
The tongue tie and the lip tie are both conditions that are caused by a tight or short frenulum that could restrict movement and create numerous issues. The tongue tie happens when the frenulum beneath the tongue is either too short or tight, and a lip tie happens when the frenulum that connects the upper lip and the gums is damaged. They differ in their locations and the specific issues they may cause.
Complications and Problems
Here are a few issues caused by a tongue tie and why getting treatment is crucial.
Difficulty With Breastfeeding
Children with a tongue tie might have trouble latching onto the bottle or nipple, which can result in low weight gain and malnutrition. This could cause frustration for both the baby and the mother.
Speech Problems
When children with tongue ties develop and learn speech, they might have difficulty understanding certain sounds and articulating. This is because the tongue cannot move freely and perform the movements required to speak.
Oral Hygiene Issues
Maintaining your mouth’s cleanliness can be challenging, which could increase the chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, it could cause orthodontic problems like overbite, which can be a source of frustration.
Orthodontic Issues
Certain tongue-tied people might have orthodontic problems, like gaps between teeth or overbites. In certain instances, dental crowns can be utilized as a complete treatment plan to address these issues and enhance the appearance and function of the teeth; visit this page for additional information.
Difficulty With Eating and Digestion
Alongside breastfeeding issues, tongue ties can also cause eating and digestive issues in adults and children. If the tongue isn’t moving appropriately, chewing and moving food through your digestive tract may be difficult.
Treatment Options
Various treatments are available at the best dental care for your family for tongue ties, based on the severity of the problem and the individual requirements. They include:
Frenotomy
A frenotomy procedure to treat tongue ties is simple and requires cutting or lasering the tightly-strapped band of tissue that blocks tongue movement. The procedure is usually performed for infants and may be performed in a pediatric surgeon’s office, making it a breeze. The procedure cost can differ substantially based on your healthcare provider and the location you reside; frenectomy treatment in Pinehurst, NC, is between $400 and $1,500.
Laser Surgery
Another option to treat the tongue tie is laser tongue tie surgery, which utilizes lasers to cut the frenulum. Certain healthcare professionals prefer this option because it’s less invasive and causes less bleeding and pain than conventional frenotomy. However, it could cost more.
Myofunctional Therapy
A set of exercises is designed to strengthen the mouth muscles and enhance oral function. Myofunctional therapy can be used with frenotomy or as a standalone treatment. The price can vary between $1,500 and $4,000, dependent on the healthcare professional and the duration of the treatment.
Bodywork
It includes holistic methods like craniosacral therapy or chiropractic treatment, which aim to relieve tension in the tissues and muscles of the neck and mouth. Costs can vary between $100 and $200 per session, based on the health care provider and the length of treatment.
The figures could be higher or lower, and it’s advisable to consult your physician to provide a more precise estimate to avoid financial shocks.
Key Takeaways
The tongue tie is a condition that is characterized by a tight or small lingual frenulum that connects the tongue with the floor of the mouth. It can lead to various issues like difficulty breastfeeding, speech issues, and issues with oral hygiene for both adults and infants. Should you or your kid suffer from this issue, seek a trusted medical professional to find the most effective treatment to meet your needs. The cost of treatment can be wildly different, and you should inquire about the estimated cost before your visit.
