Tongue ties are often times overlooked especially if there are no speech considerations or difficulties with breastfeeding. If your tongue can't reach the roof of your mouth, then it is affecting your swallowing and causing a lot of strain or muscle compensations which can lead to TMJ discomfort and is the reason why many children had recurring ear infections! Their tongue was not on the roof of their mouth putting pressure. The list goes on and on.
These are the four different grades of tongue ties.
Are you unsure if you have a tongue or lip tie?
Send us an email with a picture and we can discuss your case and what treatment options you may need! We are always happy to educate and spread awareness of airway disorders.
Tongue Tie Release FAQs
1. My son/daughter already had a release as an infant, why am I being recommended to release the tongue again?
Tongue Ties can absolutely reattach with time, especially if post op exercises were not performed.
2. How painful is a tongue tie release?
Generally speaking a tongue tie release will require 4-5 days of recovery time.
3. What can I take for discomfort if I do not like pain medication?
We recommend using the Stellalife Surgery Kit. The kit has a pain relief spray under the tongue as well as a rinse and gel. These have a slight numbing feel as well as herbs to help promote healing. Some of the herbs include arnica and calendula. It can be purchased on amazon or directly from their website.
4. When should I go release my tongue tie?
The sooner the better! However, if the patient is passed the age of puberty we are then concerned with if the tongue has enough space to be released. On occasion patients may need to go through orthontia(braces/ invisalign) before they release their tongue.
5. After I release my tongue will by tongue automatically start swallowing normal and return to natural resting posture?
In most cases training will be required for your tongue to learn proper resting position and correcr swallow patterns. This is done through myofunctional therapy
6. How long does myofunctional therapy take?
Therapy sessions are held every two weeks. It is expected that the patient will practice at home daily. Usually 10-15 sessions are required. This may seem like a long time but think about how many years your tongue and lips have been utilizing improper patterns.