How do you know if a child is tongue tied? How the function of the tongue engages in a swallow and moves in all directions. Tongue tie refers to the tissue under the tongue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When the band of tissue or frenulum is short, limiting movements of the tongue occur. Also other muscles begin to engage in functions they were not intended to perform. Our body is amazing and will compensate in order to survive. Swallowing and chewing are two examples. These everyday functions our bodies do with a tongue tie will become the normal engagement of muscles.
Symptoms and Signs of Tongue Tie in Children:
§Picky eating-food & texture aversions
§Speech that is not improving with therapy
§Choking, vomiting, gagging foods or liquids
§Food falling out mouth, use fingers to move around in mouth, pocketing food, trapped gums or cheeks.
§Migraines & Headaches
§Behavior Issues, ADD or ADHD (watch You Tube video, Finding Connor Deegan)
§Snoring, Night Terrors, Bedwetting until tweens
§Increased dental oral health issues, cavities, bad breath
§Crowded, crooked, spacing teeth, not aligning properly
Once identified as having a tongue tie, (this is genetic and mom or dad most likely have one too) the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks and face need to be retrained with the new range of motion the tongue will have once it is released. As a orofacial myofunctional therapist this is my specialty! My program identifies and rehabilitates orofacial myofunctional disorders. It's fun, easy, exercise improve the movement and function of the muscles involved. Everyone is unique so no program is the same.
Ideally it is best to identify these restrictions at birth so we can avoid the symptoms listed above. Symptoms and Signs of Tongue Tie in Infants:
§Poor Latch/Inability to Latch
§Sliding off Nipple
§Fatigue During Nursing
§Sleepy Feeds
§Poor Weight Gain
§Clicking During Feeding
§Maternal Nipple Damage/Pain (infant chewing, gumming, or pinching)
§Increased Maternal Nipple Breast Infections, Compromised Supply
§Gastrointestinal Issues (gaseous, reflux, pooping too much or too little)
§Fussy in car seat
Contact me to Help You Be A Healthier You! myooralhealth@gmail.com or text/call 509-420-0884