TONGUE TIES & TMD
How Are Tongue tie and TMJ Disorders Related?
Tongue Tie Release
temporomandibular
disorder treatment
WHAT IS A TONGUE TIE?
Tongue tie, commonly referred to as “Ankyloglossia”, is a string of tissue called the frenulum that can restrict the movements of the tongue if it is shorter and thicker than normal. The tongue can be anterior as well as posterior. There are different grades of fascial restriction and tongue functionality that are essential for breastfeeding, sucking, swallowing, eating, drinking, chewing, breathing, speech, jaw growth, posture and digestion.
How Are Tongue Tie And TMJ disorders Related?
The tongue performs many functions, including keeping the airway open (in compensation to which one starts mouth breathing, snoring, clenching and grinding their teeth), assisting with chewing, swallowing, and most importantly, facial and jaw development, speech and digestion. An open mouth, incorrect bite, clenching and grinding or constant compensations of the muscles while swallowing and speaking can result in Orofacial pain and TMJ dysfunction.
HOW IS THE TONGUE CONNECTED TO OUR BODY?
Headaches, shoulder, and neck pain commonly attributed to TMD or clenching or bruxing have been relieved by releasing the untreated tongue-tie. The ‘tied’ tongue can also lead to sleep-disordered breathing, leading to bruxing, as well as pain in the neck or upper back. Some adults also experience digestive and reflux problems, tightness in the chest, bow feet, tingling in calves and feet.
DIAGNOSING A TONGUE TIE
There are various related issues, such as airway complications, posture challenges, and sleep disturbances, that may arise due to tongue restriction. In certain cases, tongue ties may be found when identifying the causes of TMJ pain areas/ orofacial pain, clenching of teeth, disturbed sleep and breathing and poorly developed jaw growth and teeth alignment. It is also essential to note that a tongue tie cannot be self-diagnosed. A comprehensive functional assessment by a specialist of the tongue is essential to diagnose a tongue tie.
TREATING A TONGUE TIE
In our practice, we use the Functional Frenuloplasty procedure to release tongue ties for toddlers, children and adults. This approach has been adapted from Dr. Soroush Zaghi of The Breathe Institute, Los Angeles, who is a globally renowned ENT & sleep surgeon who has established this functional approach to tongue ties.
The success of our practice is based on our capability to deliver a comprehensive and successful release of tethered oral tissues. We achieve this success by implementing by multidisciplinary protocol that integrates myofunctional therapy (and also physical therapy in some instances) before, during, and after surgery. Our entire togue tie release procedure relies on precision, ensuring appropriate extent of tissue is released for maximum patient relief, neither excessive nor too little. Additionally, at TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute we also do understand that TMJ patients require special care when opening their mouths for prolonged periods of time and have adapted the procedure to ensure minimal discomfort.
Undergoing Oral Motor Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy after your procedure is crucial to maintaining the released fascia and making sure the body and tongue can be re-trained on how to maintain this muscle- balance -posture. Our patients have also reported less TMJ pain after Myofunctional Therapy for their tongue ties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain can occur in various areas. The common TMJ pain areas, where individuals are likely to experience pain and discomfort, include the jaw, face, head, neck, shoulder, ears, and teeth.
Note- The TMJ pain and its intensity may vary from patient to patient. Not everyone will experience TMJ pain in all of these areas. Hence, it is important to seek timely intervention from a TMJ specialist.
Seek Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment
No, the procedure of Functional Frenuloplasty is painless as we use anesthesia to numb the area to be treated. In certain cases, patients might experience mild discomfort. However, the procedure of functional frenuloplasty is mostly painless.
Diagnosing a tongue tie on your own can be difficult, as it requires a comprehensive assessment of the tongue's function. It is always best to see a tongue-tie specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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