Tongue-tie is a pretty common condition. It usually is present at birth.
Everyone has a piece of skin under the tongue and it goes to the floor of the mouth behind the lower teeth. It is called the lingual frenum. In some kids it is attached higher than normal almost immediately behind the lower teeth. It might be thin or a thick band of tissue. It may or may not cause any problems.
Tongue tie can cause the following problems:
- Interference with breast feeding in a baby
- Difficulty with their speech-especially S F and V sounds
- Restricted movement of the tongue – difficulty in sticking out the tongue, eating and swallowing
- It can hold the lower jaw from growing properly
- Difficulty playing an instrument
To check if you have it:
- Stick out your tongue and see if the tongue appears notched or heart shaped
- Lift up your tongue and look for the band of tissue underneath it
It should be discovered at a routine medical or dental visit. Treatment if necessary is simple and healing is quick. Speech therapy will also help before during and after the surgery. If treated too late or if it messes up the jaw, orthodontic treatment might be necessary. Some people learn to live with it.
Contact Dr. Navin Bogg and our dental professionals to schedule an appointment.
ACHOOOO!!!! Allergy season is here.