The impact of tongue-tie on oral motor function

The impact of tongue-tie on oral motor function


Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is too short or tight, causing difficulty with certain tongue movements. 




This can affect a person's oral motor function, which refers to the movement and control of the muscles in the face, mouth, and tongue used for speech, eating, and drinking.



People with tongue-tie may have difficulty moving their tongue freely and may struggle with certain speech sounds that require tongue movement, such as "l," "r," and "th." They may also have difficulty swallowing, chewing, and performing other oral motor tasks.





If you think you or a loved one may have tongue-tie and are experiencing difficulty with oral motor function, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a dentist or speech-language pathologist, for a proper evaluation and treatment recommendations.





 In some cases, tongue-tie can be treated with a simple surgical procedure called a frenotomy, which involves snipping the lingual frenulum to release the tongue. 




Other treatment options, such as speech therapy or myofunctional therapy, may be recommended to improve oral motor skills and address any related speech or feeding issues.

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