Tips for Preparing for a Tongue Tie Release (Frenectomy)
A tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the collagen fiber of skin beneath the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is shorter than usual, restricting the tongue’s movement. This condition can affect speech, feeding, facial development, breathing, sleep and overall health. A tongue tie release, or frenectomy, is a surgical procedure that can help alleviate these issues. If you or your child is facing this procedure, it’s essential to be well-prepared. In this blog, we’ll provide you with valuable tips to help you get ready for a tongue tie release, including information about what it is, signs you might have a tongue tie, the age limit for the surgery, and what to expect afterward.
What is a tongue tie release?
A tongue tie release, also known as a frenectomy or frenotomy, is a simple surgical procedure performed to correct the condition of ankyloglossia (tongue tie). During the procedure, a tongue-tie savvy doctor will cut or release the tight lingual frenulum, allowing the tongue to move more freely. This can improve a person’s ability to speak, eat, and engage in various oral activities. The procedure is normally done in office with local anesthetic or topical gel and does not require general anesthesia or “putting someone under”.
Tongue tie vs. normal tongue pictures
Of the four pictures shown below, only photo #1 is considered “normal with full range of motion and mobility”. Even though the lingual frenum is very pronounced, this doesn’t mean anything. Tongue ties are not identified based on appearance but rather based on function. The other three photos show varying degrees of tongue tie.
Signs you might have a tongue tie
- Difficulty Breastfeeding: Infants with a tongue tie may have trouble latching onto the breast, leading to pain and frustration for both the baby and mother.
- Speech Difficulties: Tongue tie can affect speech development in children and adults, leading to issues with pronunciation and articulation.
- Oral Hygiene Challenges: Difficulty cleaning the mouth and teeth thoroughly due to limited tongue movement can lead to oral health problems.
- Difficulty Eating: Children with tongue ties might struggle with transitioning to solid foods or experience discomfort when eating. Adults with tongue tie may find that chewing is a lot of work or that certain textures bothers them.
- Orthodontic Problems: In many cases, tongue ties can contribute to orthodontic issues, such as gaps between teeth, misaligned teeth or improper jaw development.
- Poor Sleep: When the tongue can’t comfortably rest against the roof of the mouth it often ends up relaxing into the throat causing obstructions and sleep disturbances.
- Posture Concerns: A tongue tie is a connective tissue problem that affects from the tip of the head to the bottom of the feet. A tongue tie rolls the shoulders forward and compresses the diaphragm. It’s like wearing a size small when you need a size large.
- Upper Body Tension & TMJ Pain: When the orofacial muscles are used incorrectly, lots of pain and tension results. When there is a tongue tie present, usually the tongue posture is low which destabilizes the TMJ causing pain.
Tongue Tie surgery age limit
Technically, tongue tie surgery can be performed at any age. There is no strict age limit, and it can be done in infants, children, teenagers, and adults. But it really should not be done at just any time. The timing of the procedure depends on individual circumstances and the severity of the condition. For infants, early intervention is often recommended to address breastfeeding difficulties. In older individuals, the decision to undergo the procedure is based on functional and cosmetic concerns. My advice to clients is that if the tongue tie is not currently a breastfeeding issue, then the child should not have a release until he or she is old enough to comprehend, comply and cooperate with myofunctional therapy. You can’t just “force” it on a child because you don’t want to traumatize your child and not to mention that there are teeth in that mouth which makes it very difficult to do the post-operative care against their wishes!
Who can diagnose a tongue-tie?
There are several professionals that can help you identify a tongue-tie. However, it is important to remember that many of the providers who can diagnose a tie don’t really know how to unless it’s a terribly severe tie.
If you have a dentist or pediatrician that just simply says “stick out your tongue” and thinks that is the way to evaluate a tongue-tie, then he or she is sadly mistaken. That only tells you if you can protrude the tongue, which is not the most important movement of the tongue. Elevation of the tongue is much more important that protrusion. So if that is the only thing the dentist or pediatrician look at, then the odds are a tongue-tie is getting overlooked. This is why a comprehensive myofunctional exam is necessary.
What to expect after tongue tie release
After a tongue tie release, there are several key considerations:
- Recovery Period: Recovery is typically quick, with minimal discomfort. However, some mild soreness and swelling may occur, especially in the first few days. Pain relief options will be discussed with your healthcare provider.
- Oral Exercises: It’s essential to perform tongue exercises to improve range of motion and prevent the tongue from reattaching to the floor of the mouth.
- Breastfeeding and Feeding: For infants, breastfeeding may become easier immediately after the procedure. However, it may take some time for both mother and baby to adjust to the new tongue mobility. Consult with a lactation consultant if needed.
- Wound Management: It is crucial to take care of the wound correctly. Your healthcare provider should review this protocol with you.
- Myofunctional therapy: The most important rehabilitation really starts after the tongue is released. While myofunctional therapy is important to do to get ready for the tongue tie release, it is also crucial to continue after the tongue tie release for complete rehabilitation of the oral function.
Does a tongue-tie release hurt?
This is not a black and white answer. Every person has a different pain tolerance, not to mention if poor sleep quality is involved then you might experience more discomfort since good sleep is a pain modulator.
Either way, it is a simple procedure that has benefits that far outweigh the discomfort. To make things more comfortable, I always encourage clients to get a good night sleep, go to the tongue tie release appointment with a full belly and stay hydrated with quality water and a pinch of sea salt!
In conclusion, preparing for a tongue tie release involves understanding the procedure, recognizing potential signs of a tongue tie, considering the appropriate age for surgery, and being aware of what to expect during the recovery process. If you or your child is facing a tongue tie release, consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in this procedure to ensure the best possible outcome and a smoother transition to improved oral function and overall well-being.
How to get started with myofunctional therapy
Booking your comprehensive exam with us will kickstart your journey. Once we’ve completed your exam and understand your goals for myofunctional therapy, then we will work alongside you to map out a path to wellness that you’re excited about! If we see a need for an airway focused orthodontist, we will help you build your airway dream team. We will also help decide who needs to be on first, second and third so we can hit a home run for your health!
Meet Carmen Woodland
I found this path of passion years ago as a dental hygienist. After a stint in graduate school to earn my M.B.A., I decided that I needed to pivot. My heart was no longer in scraping teeth, but making a much bigger impact on lives touched by myofunctional impairment.
My story is personal and close to home. My sweet granddaughter was passed back and forth amongst doctors and therapists for years trying to figure out her speech, breathing, sleep, chewing and swallowing issues. It wasn’t until I completed more training that I knew her problem was a significant tongue-tie. Bingo.
Fast forward to now. I’m a crusader. A warrior. A voice for those who can’t find theirs, or who don’t have one.
I left clinical hygiene practice to start Integrative Myofunctional Therapy. It has evolved from a way to make a living, into an obsession!
I see clients all over the world and provide innovative, virtual therapy in the remotest of places.
In addition, I also
- Teach other dental hygienists, speech therapists & dentists how to become myofunctional therapists through the Myofunctional Therapy Training Acadedmy.
- Coach dental offices on how to implement myofunctional screening into the daily practice
- Speak in various settings
I’m an airway provider for the Foundation of Airway Health, where I work diligently for the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of airway-related disorders.
And last but not least, I’m a proud member of several professional associations that afford me the opportunity to learn so that I can help you. My professional memberships include: