LET'S talk ABOUT TONGUE TIES IN CHILDREN
WHAT ARE THEY AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
During the early years of development, the function of the tongue is essential for the proper development of the jaws, speech, feeding, the alignment of the teeth. It’s very important that parents understand the importance of seeking an in-person initial oral examination for your child. This examination can help detect a tongue-tie or other oral functional issues that may be impacting your child’s growth and development. At this visit we will evaluate tongue space, tongue tie, and tongue tone in context with signs, symptoms and sleep. If a tongue-tie is diagnosed, treatment first will involve therapy, which focuses on improving oral muscle function. If additional support is needed beyond therapy, a procedure to release tethered oral tissues may be indicated.
Our goal by treating tethered oral tissues is to help patients breathe, sleep, eat, communicate, and thrive.
How do we treat children & adults with tethered oral tissues?
Frenuloplasty
A frenuloplasty is a procedure performed to remove large, tight, or poorly positioned band(s) of tissue inside the mouth, connected to the lip, cheeks or floor of the mouth (frenum). Once the tissue has been removed, the area will be sutured. These restrictions are commonly referred to as being “tongue-tied” or “ankyloglossia”, but can be found in cheeks, lips or tongue, and we refer to them as “tethered oral tissues” or TOTs.
This procedure may be performed to improve eating, swallowing, mouth breathing, or myofunctional habits.
Frenuloplasty is a routine procedure and is often performed with just local anesthesia in adults and children.
MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
Myofunctional therapy is an important aspect of both pre- and post-operative care for a functional frenuloplasty procedure. Before the surgery, it helps to prepare the oral and facial muscles for the changes that will occur, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster recovery. After the procedure, myofunctional therapy helps to retrain the muscles to function in their new, correct position, reducing the risk of relapse and promoting long-term success.
It can help alleviate any discomfort or pain that may occur after the surgery and improve the overall function and appearance of the oral and facial structures. Myofunctional therapy is a critical component of a comprehensive treatment plan for functional frenuloplasty, helping to ensure optimal results and improved oral health.
What We
Evaluate:
- Space for teeth & tongue
- Breathing & facial muscle habits
- Sleep
- “Tongue tie”
How We
Evaluate:
- Clinical exam, CBCT 3D imagining
- Myofunctional screening
- Sleep screening
- Tongue range of motion mesurements
With all of this information, we can help determine what treatments may be needed and in what order. This saves valuable time and resources, and helps prevent or treat breathing or sleep disorders while also creating healthy and beautiful smiles.
How we might treat
01
Tongue Space
Myofunctional Orthodontics
02
Tongue Tone
Myofunctional Therapy
03
Tongue Tie
Functional Frenuloplasty
02
Involve other Specialists as needed
For example: Ear, nose and throat doctors may be consulted regarding tonsils and adenoids and allergies.
Our Goals At The MyoGrow Airway Center:
Tongue up
Lips closed
Healthy swallow pattern
Nasal breathing
Forward facial growth
MyoGrow Frequently Asked Questions
At the MyoGrow Airway Center we envision a world where we can help infants, children and adults breathe, sleep, eat, communicate, grow, and thrive through myofunctional orthodontics, releasing tethered oral tissues, and collaborating with airway health colleagues.
What is “Myogrow”?
Our pediatric airway program goes by the name of Myogrow. It encompasses the assessment and management of tethered oral tissues (TOTs), development of the head and neck, breathing patterns, and myofunctional habits, i.e., the manner in which we use our muscles and body to breathe, sleep, eat, and speak. Here’s a video that explains more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTnSo6YDEkQ&t=9s
Why haven’t other providers talked to me about myofunctional issues?
These concepts are relatively new. Some providers may not be familiar with them yet. We strive to remain current with the latest research and work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals who do the same. Our approach involves a comprehensive evaluation of craniofacial growth patterns, as well as an assessment of sleeping, breathing, eating, and swallowing habits. This integration of factors is distinctive and requires expertise across various specialties.
What if I don’t have any concerns with my child’s sleeping or dental health.
These concepts are relatively new. Some providers may not be familiar with them yet. We strive to remain current with the latest research and work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals who do the same. Our approach involves a comprehensive evaluation of craniofacial growth patterns, as well as an assessment of sleeping, breathing, eating, and swallowing habits. This integration of factors is distinctive and requires expertise across various specialties.
What if I don’t have any concerns with my child’s sleeping or dental health?
If you do not have any immediate concerns regarding your child’s sleeping or dental health, we still suggest that you have them screened at least once between the ages of 4-11. Occasionally, early intervention is necessary to address specific concerns that the screening reveals and/or to ensure that growth is progressing in the appropriate direction. Remember, even if your child does not require immediate treatment, preventive measures can be taken to establish healthy habits that promote proper growth and development.
What can I expect during the initial “records” visit?
During the initial “records” visit, we will gather various forms of information to aid in our evaluation and treatment planning. This includes taking photos, measurements, medical history, and conducting a CT scan of the airway, as well as obtaining a digital scan of the teeth. After compiling and analyzing this data, we will share our findings and treatment recommendations with you (the parents) via a virtual Zoom meeting.
Reading List
Nasal Hygiene Protocol
Before bed each night spray xlear nose spray in each nostril
Blow and wipe each nostril individually