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LET'S talk ABOUT TONGUE TIES
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WHAT ARE THEY AND
WHY should you care?
During the first years of life, the function of the tongue is essential for the proper development of the jaws, speech, feeding, and 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. If a tongue-tie is diagnosed, treatment first 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.
Left untreated, a tongue tie can lead to a number of oral health challenges in adulthood, including difficulties with speech and sleep, as well as increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay and TMJ issues. By working closely with a myofunctional therapist both before and after a procedure, we can ensure our adult patients’ recovery is as smooth and successful as possible. Our myofunctional therapists will help you improve your oral muscle function and flexibility, as well as support you in making any necessary lifestyle changes to maintain good oral health.
The Importance of Breathing & Sleep
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We are passionate about helping patients breathe better for optimal airway health and improved overall growth, development, and well-being. Breathing through the nose is crucial for filtering and humidifying air, improving oxygenation, and reducing inflammation, but various causes can result in breathing difficulties requiring personalized evaluation and treatment to prevent sleep disorders impacting brain development, memory formation, hormone release, and detoxification. We provide tools and support to optimize nasal breathing for improved oxygenation, better sleep, reduced stress, anxiety, enhanced immune function, and oral health. As your partner, we offer guidance and support for your breathing journey to achieve your goals.
The MyoGrow Airway Center Way:
Collaborative Care Model
MyoGrow Airway Center emphasizes collaboration with referral colleagues for a comprehensive and holistic approach to airway health treatment planning. Involving other providers, such as ENT doctors, orthodontists, sleep physicians, pediatricians, myofunctional therapists, speech therapists, oral surgeons, and chiropractors, ensures that patients receive the best care. Coordination among team members is essential for effective communication and treatment planning. We assist families in determining the order of treatments and forming a team appropriate for you. Patients are encouraged to seek multiple opinions to ensure they find the right fit.
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How We Treat Tethered Oral Tissues in Infants, Children & Adults
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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.
