What is a tongue tie - What we look for during a dental examination?

In our work we see a significant number of children with restricted tongues or “tongue ties”. A tongue tie limits the movement of the tongue so that the other muscles of the face have to adapt during speech and swallowing. Many children have a restricted tongue that is not picked up early as they have been able to adapt their speech and swallowing at an early age.

Tongue tie is defined as ‘embryological remnant of tissue in the midline between the undersurface of the tongue and the floor of the mouth that restricts normal tongue movement’.

As a result, the other muscles of the face have to adapt during speech and swallowing. They estimate as many as 4% of people globally have a tongue tie or restriction.

Severe tongue tie is usually picked up at birth or soon after. Infants with tongue tie have difficulty in the elevation of the tongue, and according to tongue tie experts, this is the one of the most important aspects of breastfeeding. On the other hand, babies with tongue tie who are bottle-fed often remain undiagnosed as the tongue often still has the ability to thrust forward to stop the flow of milk from a bottle.

Elevation is responsible for the clear pronunciation of the letters “D”, “T”, “N”, and “L. Another clue to a restricted tongue frenum is a lisp at the front or sides of the teeth when pronouncing the “S” sound. Adequate movement of the tongue is also key in proper swallowing of liquids and food.

Paediatric dental services Melbourne for tongue tie assessment

Children who have a restricted tongue often have difficulty with eating, chewing and swallowing, and tend to chew noisily and often have an overactive gag reflex. One of the reasons tongue restriction can go unnoticed by professionals and parents is because many children with restricted tongues can extend their tongue, which is the typical quick “tongue tie” assessment. It is, however, the elevation of the tongue that is one of its most important functions.

The elevation of the tongue is also extremely important in the support of the upper arch during development. The tongue is ideally situated in the roof of the mouth upon rest during dental development and encourages proper growth of the jaws. A restricted tongue tends to rest on the floor of the mouth. The tongue is responsible for clearing the mouth after eating, and many children and adults with tongue tie develop dental problems such as gum disease and decay due to difficulty in maintaining adequate dental hygiene.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can help reinstate the proper functions of the tongue so that proper swallowing and tongue rest postures can be possible. This is usually done in conjunction with minor surgery called a frenectomy (a simple procedure performed under local anaesthetic by an experienced dentist, oral surgeon or ENT).

Signs your BABY may have a restricted frenum:

Issues latching
Sucking blisters
Long feeds
Persistent grazed nipples
Clicking sounds when feeding

Signs your CHILD might have a restricted frenum:

Delayed development of speech or deterioration of speech
Issues with eating such as choking and gagging
Inability to eat age-appropriate foods
Problems with dribbling
The tongue sits low or is visible between the teeth (low tongue posture or forward tongue position)

Signs YOU may have a restricted frenum as an ADULT:

Difficulty with clear speech or mumbling
Lisping on words
Jaw pain or clicking or popping of the jaw

OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

My child had their tongue released as a baby but it looks like it has re-attached, is this an issue?

Each release heals differently, what is most important is the function and movement of the tongue. Your paediatric dentist can help assess this.

I am aware that my child has a tongue tie but their speech is fine, do I need to worry about it?

Your clinician can help assess the severity of the tie and if it may have any other implications. In most cases, it is OK to monitor.

Is there any additional care required after my baby has their ties released?

Yes, in the case of infants, there are exercises that must be performed up to 3 weeks after the surgery. Your specialist dentist will demonstrate how to do this.

Not sure if your child has a Tongue Tie?

If you believe a tongue tie could be affecting the development of your little one, please call our experienced team. Kiddies Infant Care is always here to help and to answer any questions you may have.

USEFUL DENTAL RESOURCES AND FURTHER READING

If you would like to read more about Infant Tongue Tie, please head to https://www.kiddiesdentalcare.com.au/infant-tongue-tie/

Thanks to our wonderful Oral Health Therapist, Chandra
He works at the Essendon clinic in Napier Street.
If you would like to talk to him or any of our amazing team, about this or any other questions you may have, please contact us on 03 9372 8960.