Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is an inborn condition that reduces tongue mobility. The issue affects the band-like tissues known as the lingual frenulum connecting the tongue's bottom to the mouth floor.
If you have tongue-tie, your lingual frenulum can be thick, short, or tight. This restricts the movement of the tongue. Despite the condition, many people may not experience any issues. However, it can have the following side effects:
Poor Dental And Oral Health
A restricted tongue affects your ability to maintain your oral hygiene. You can have challenges cleaning food debris from your teeth. It also causes incomplete swallowing. Without cleaning your teeth properly, plaques can build up. Bacterial infection and tooth decay will become common conditions.
Sleep Apnea
Everyone desires a nice sleep, but this is not the case when you have a tongue-tie. The condition causes breathing issues during sleep. A restricted tongue can lead to dental misalignment and a smaller palate. This reduces the overall size of your upper airways, making it collapse when you fall asleep. These happenings cause sleep apnea, which can be life-threatening if untreated on time.
Speech Difficulties
The inability to move your tongue properly can impact your speech. People with this condition have challenges in creating some sounds such as "t," "d," "s," "th," and "r." Speech difficulties can lower one's confidence and lead to shyness when speaking in public. You or the kid cannot make sounds that require their tongue to touch the upper front teeth or mouth roof.
Eating Difficulties In Children
Kids with tongue-tie develop oromuscular movement habits. They have difficulties opening their mouth wide enough to receive a food spoon. The tongue hump at the back and push the food out. They cannot move their tongue to enhance swallowing. Many kids with the condition experience choking due to diversion to the air passage.
If you have a tongue-tie restriction, you can consult a specialist to fix it. Reach out or visit our office for more information on releasing a tongue-tie.
About Our Katy Dental Office | Wilson Dentistry Looking for a trusted dentist in Katy? We have 2 of the best! Click here now to learn more about Dr. Wilson, Dr. Boecker, and our dental team! Wilson Dentistry, 23020 Highland Knolls Dr. #B, Katy, TX 77494 / (346) 340-5440 / wilsondentistrytx.com / 12/11/2024 / Associated Words: dentist katy /
Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is an inborn condition that reduces tongue mobility. The issue affects the band-like tissues known as the lingual frenulum connecting the tongue's bottom to the mouth floor.