Tethered Oral Tissues 

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Tongue-tie, or Ankyloglossia, is a relatively common condition characterised by a short "lingual frenum," limiting tongue movement which often results in compensation of other muscles.

In infants, tongue-tie is linked to:

• breastfeeding difficulties

• poor weight gain

• excessive dribbling

• reflux

• lots of gas 

• vomiting

• constipation

• settling issues

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For children and adults, a tongue tie is linked with:

• difficulty swallowing normally

• sleep-disordered breathing

• increased risk of dental decay 

• increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease

• increased risk of dental malocclusion (crooked teeth, open bite, overbite)

• recurrent ear infections 

• jaw pain

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At Airway focused, we diagnose tongue-tie through a visual and functional assessment of the tongue. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is often the initial treatment to improve tongue function, but in some cases, a referral for surgical correction is required. A lingual frenectomy, a common, relatively painless, low risk procedure where the frenum is cut or released. This can significantly enhance function and growth.

 

Pre-and post-operative myofunctional therapy is highly recommended to address compensatory muscle patterns that may persist after surgery, thereby restoring ideal function.​