WHAT IS A TONGUE TIE

The tongue is connected to the floor of the mouth by a thin band of tissue called lingual frenum or frenulum.  When this band is too short it limits the tongue movement known as tongue tie or ankylogossia.

Tongue ties are often not addressed unless there are speech impediment or difficulty breastfeeding in infants.  However, tongue ties can cause a variety of problems with speech, chewing and swallowing, digestive issues, poor head and body posture, and breathing issues.  

Other types of ties in the mouth are the lips.  The upper and the lower lips also has thin bands of tissue that attaches to the gums.  Upper and lower lip ties can inhibit proper lip seal and cause mouth breathing.  

Frenulectomy or frenectomy is a surgical  procedure performed by a dentist or physician to treat tongue tie or lip tie.  This procedure is done with either laser or scissors with or without sutures.

Orofacial myofunctional therapy is essential before and after a tongue tie release to ensure that proper mobility and function is restored.