.png)
Yesterday my 8 year old daughter told me about a conversation that took place in school. Apparently her friends were sticking out their tongues telling everyone that they had a "tongue tie." So Leeba (as any daughter of a myofunctional therapist and dentist would ) confidently corrected her friends, explaining "Its called a frenulum and everyone has a frenulum, but not everyone has a tongue tie." 😍 😂
Everyone has a frenulum under their tongue, the small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. However, not everyone has a tongue tie. A tongue tie diagnosis is determined by how it looks, how it moves, how it feels, and most importantly how it is impacting function. A comprehensive evaluation considers these key factors:
Structure- The way it LOOKS and FEELS. Where does it attach? How thick is it? How short is it? How tight is it?
Mobility- The way it MOVES: Does it limit range of motion in any direction? Is it causing any tension? Is it tethering down the middle or posterior part of the tongue?
...and the most important one
Function- The way it WORKS: Is it impacting feeding, speaking, breathing, sleeping, dentition, posture, or proper facial growth?
This is why oral ties are best diagnosed and treated as a team approach. If you suspect you or your child may have oral ties, find a provider who has additional training and expertise in this and who values collaboration and a holistic approach.
As always, feel free to reach out for support!
Comments