Tongue-tie and myofunctional therapy

Tongue-tie and myofunctional therapy

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 ability to breastfeed, speak, and swallow properly. Tongue-tie can sometimes be treated with a simple surgical procedure called a frenotomy, which involves snipping the lingual frenulum to release the tongue.

Myofunctional therapy is a type of therapy that involves exercises to improve muscle function in the face, mouth, and tongue. It is sometimes used as a treatment for tongue-tie, as well as other conditions such as sleep apnea, malocclusion (misaligned teeth), and jaw pain. 

Myofunctional therapy may involve exercises to improve tongue mobility, strength, and placement, as well as exercises to improve facial muscle tone and breathing patterns.

If you think you or a loved one may have tongue-tie or could benefit from myofunctional therapy, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a dentist or speech-language pathologist, for a proper evaluation and treatment recommendations.