A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs in people’s mouths when the frenulum is too thick or tight causing difficulty speaking or eating. This condition can be especially problematic for younger people, preventing them from eating properly and maintaining a healthy nutrition intake. Additionally, the condition can cause difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or phrases since the tongue is unable to move correctly. Present at birth, tongue ties tether the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, restricting movement and interfering with talking, eating, and swallowing.
A similar condition, called a lip tie, involves the frenum (or frenulum) of the upper or lower lip, limiting the movement range of a person’s mouth. Like tongue ties, lip ties can interfere with a person’s ability to obtain proper nutrition. Lip ties can also eventually lead to gum recession if left untreated.
How Do You Know If You Have a Tongue or Lip Tie?
Signs that a person may have a tongue tie or lip tie include: a lack of tongue or lip mobility, the inability to reach the tongue past the bottom teeth or a tongue that looks heart shaped when the patient sticks it out. Tongue or lip ties can be fixed, however, with a procedure called a Frenectomy which is a service that North Raleigh Perio provides for it’s patients.
The Procedure
The procedure is done by removing a part of the frenum with the Erbium Chromium YSGG laser by Biolase, freeing the tongue or lip tie in the patient’s mouth. Laser assisted frenectomies can be more effective and much less invasive, involving shorter recoveries times and better results than traditional methods of treatment. Dr. Singletary explains this process further here.
Being tongue or lip tied can be inconvenient, but these conditions are easily fixed! The frenectomy procedure is quick, fairly painless, involves minimal bleeding, and the recovery time is short. Patients are able to resume their normal activity the same day. Feel free to contact us with questions. Serving the greater Triangle area – Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Clayton, Rolesville, and Wake Forest.
For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below:
Tongue Ties and Lip Ties Unraveled: Separating Fact from Fiction