How a Dentist Can Help: Myofunctional Therapy with Tongue-Tie Release
If you or your child is having a frenotomy to fix tongue-tie, it’s important to know that this procedure is just the first step to improving mouth function. A frenotomy helps release the tightness from tongue-tie, but myofunctional therapy is crucial for long-term success. This therapy strengthens the oral muscles, improves tongue movement, and enhances essential functions like speaking and swallowing. Myofunctional therapy before and after surgery can help patients achieve the best results.
How is Tongue-Tie Treated?
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition that affects the tongue’s mobility due to an unusually short or tight band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. While it may seem like a minor issue, tongue-tie can significantly affect oral function, speech, and overall quality of life.
Tongue-tie can affect individuals of all ages, from infants struggling with breastfeeding to adults experiencing speech difficulties or jaw tension. Common treatment options include:
- Frenotomy: A quick, minimally invasive procedure to release the restricted tissue and improve tongue mobility, providing immediate physical relief.
- Myofunctional Therapy: Exercises and techniques designed to strengthen oral muscles and improve function before and after a frenotomy.
Many patients find that combining both approaches gives the best results, ensuring that the tongue not only can move but also functions well after the surgery.
How can Myofunctional Therapy Benefit You?
- Improve Tongue Mobility: Myofunctional therapists will guide patients through specific exercises designed to increase the tongue’s range of motion. These exercises help the tongue move freely and fulfill its necessary functions.
- Enhance Oral Function: The therapy addresses habits and functions like swallowing, chewing, and speech. Proper tongue posture is essential for these activities, and therapy can help re-train the muscles involved.
- Facilitate Breathing: Myofunctional therapy encourages nasal rather than oral breathing, which is crucial for optimal oral and facial development.
- Support Posture and Alignment: The position of the tongue is connected to overall posture. Through therapy, patients can learn how to maintain better posture that supports oral health.
- Prepare for Surgical Intervention: If surgical options like frenectomy (the surgical release of the tongue-tie) are considered, myofunctional therapy can be beneficial before and after the procedure. Pre-surgery therapy can help prepare the muscles for optimal recovery, while post-surgery therapy can assist in maintaining the benefits of the surgery.
The Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Tongue-Tie Treatment
Myofunctional therapy takes a complete approach to treating tongue-tie. It looks at not just the physical issues but also how the tongue works and its importance to overall health. While frenotomy addresses the physical restriction, myofunctional therapy ensures the muscles learn to work effectively post-procedure.
- Pre-Procedure: Therapy helps prepare the tongue and surrounding muscles for the frenotomy, making the procedure smoother.
- Post-Procedure: Exercises improve tongue mobility, promote healing, and prevent complications like reattachment.
Coordinated Teamwork
Dentists are uniquely trained to identify tongue-tie and its impacts on oral health and function. At Plaistow Dental, our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to assess the severity of tongue-tie and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
When dentists and myofunctional therapists work together, patients receive a seamless experience that improves both outcomes and recovery times. At Plaistow Dental, we integrate these treatments to deliver a holistic solution tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Transform Your Oral Function and Quality of Life
Addressing tongue-tie can profoundly impact daily life, improving everything from speech and chewing to overall comfort. Contact Plaistow Dental in Plaistow, NH, today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more functional smile.