Tongue Tie Definition
The lingual frenulum (or frenum), is a remnant of tissue in the midline between the undersurface of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. When it interferes with normal tongue function it is called “symptomatic tongue-tie” or “symptomatic ankyloglossia”.
— International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals (IATP)
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD; https://www.iaom.com/faq/)
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders are atypical, adaptive patterns that emerge in the absence of normalized patterns within the orofacial complex. The regular presence of these adaptive movements can often result in a variety of disturbances.
Examples of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders include one or a combination of the following:
Thumb and finger sucking habits
A routine habit of resting with the lips apart
A forward resting posture of the tongue between or against the teeth
Other harmful oral habits
Long term mouth-breathing patterns that compromise overall healthy breathing
Establishment of detrimental oral habits that impede further growth and development
Establishment of atypical patterns that impact chewing and swallowing
The improper development/alignment of the teeth
The improper development of jaw growth and facial structure
Slowing the process of orthodontic treatment
Undermining the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment, resulting in malocclusion relapse
Negatively impacting the stability and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Negatively affecting social relationships due to open mouth postures or noisy chewing and swallowing patterns
We specialize in the evaluation and treatment of oral function for speech and feeding, OMDs, and the presence of tethered oral tissues (tongue, buccal, and lip ties) including pre- and post-operative treatment. We work directly with a team of physicians who specialize in the treatment and management of tethered oral tissue.
Symptoms to check for in babies
Colic and/or irritability
Coughing, choking, or gulping during feeds
Gradual sliding off the breast
Gumming, chewing, or clamping down on nipple
Makes clicking noise while sucking (poor suction)
Poor weight gain or weight loss
We provide an Oral Motor Function Evaluation to determine what the tongue, lips, cheeks, are able to do related to speech and language and/or feeding (breastfeeding/bottle/solids).
Difficulty with oral motor function- chewing food, drinking from a straw.
Food selectivity- only eats certain textures or has a limited diet
Pre-op and Post-op Care after TOTs.
Teaching stretches and exercises prior to the release and helping families correctly perform stretches for the weeks following release.
Oral Placement Therapy- we follow the protocol developed by Robyn Walsh MA CCC-SLP and Lori Overland MS CCC-SLP. This specialized treatment approach focuses on the functional assessment and remediation of tethered oral tissue and using a sensory-motor approach to speech production and feeding.
PROMPT therapy- (see our PROMPT tab). We use tactile (touch) and movement cues in conjunction with OPT to help your child develop speech sounds and/or restructure distorted sounds.
Evaluation for possible reattachment in the presence of symptoms returning/not resolving.
All frenulums ‘reattach in that frenulums are normal - we all have them. ‘Reattachment‘ is present when function is assessed and symptoms have not resolved or returned.
Call today to schedule with one of our providers!
We see infants to young adults with concern for oral motor function and feeding skills.