A Simple Procedure to Help With Speech and Dental Health
Have You or Someone You Love Been Tongue-Tied?
The familiar phrase "tongue-tied" has its origins in a genuine medical condition that can interfere with speech. A thin band of tissue known as the lingual frenum connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this tissue is abnormally thick or tight, it limits the range of tongue movement, which in turn can affect speech. In infants, the condition may also present difficulties with nursing.
A tongue tie can lead to:
- Feeding difficulties and dental development (especially in children).
- Speech difficulties, especially for sounds that require tongue elevation, such as: s, z, t, d, l, r.
- Saliva management during speech and or eating.
- Frenum scraping against the lower central incisors, and at times becoming pinched.
- The inability to sweep the lips, which is common while eating an ice cream cone or in licking your lips.
- In an attempt to compensate for the lack of tongue movement, some children demonstrate an increase in lateral or forward mandibular movement.
A Frenectomy Remedies Tongue-Tie
A lingual frenectomy is a procedure in which the frenum is partially cut back to address tongue-tie. It is a straightforward and commonly performed procedure that can be completed within this practice. Dr. Khatibian may recommend this course of action for patients of any age, whether the concern involves an adult or a child for whom the procedure has been suggested. For those considering or preparing for a lingual frenectomy, Dr. Khatibian can walk you through what the procedure typically involves.
The frenum is composed of connective tissue, similar in nature to an earlobe, and contains neither nerves nor muscle, which makes the procedure more straightforward than it might initially appear. It typically takes under ten minutes to complete, and most patients report feeling fully recovered within an hour of the procedure.
Put Your Tongue-Tied Days Behind You at Pearly Dental Care
Dr. Khatibian would like you to know a lingual frenectomy is nothing to be nervous about. If you think a lingual frenectomy may help you or a family member, let us know! Give us a call at our Sunnyvale office at (408) 774-1200 or our San Jose office at (408) 300-0767 or email us with any questions regarding a lingual frenectomy.
