Tongue Ties & Speech Issues: Understanding, Treatment, and Support
As a parent, discovering that your child has a tongue tie can be concerning. Tongue ties, or ankyloglossia, can impact a child’s ability to eat, speak, and thrive. If you’re facing this challenge, it’s important to know that there are effective treatments and therapies available to help your child. At Milk & Milestones Therapy, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for children with tongue ties and related speech issues.
What Is A Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum—the small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too short, tight, or thick. This can restrict the tongue’s movement, leading to difficulties with breastfeeding, eating, and speech.
How Tongue Ties Affect Speech
Children with tongue ties might experience various speech issues, including:
- Difficulty Pronouncing Certain Sounds: Sounds that require the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth or the back of the teeth, such as “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r,” can be challenging.
- Mumbling Or Slurred Speech: Limited tongue mobility can cause unclear speech.
- Delayed Speech Development: The physical limitations of a tongue tie can slow down overall speech development.
The Process Of Releasing A Tongue Tie
If your child has been diagnosed with a tongue tie, your healthcare provider might recommend a frenectomy to release the tongue tie. Here’s what you can expect from this process:
Consultation With A Pediatric Dentist Or Oral Surgeon
The first step is a thorough consultation with a pediatric dentist or oral surgeon experienced in treating tongue ties. During this consultation, the provider will:
- Examine The Tongue: Assess the severity of the tongue tie and its impact on your child’s oral functions.
- Discuss Treatment Options: Explain the procedure, potential benefits, and any risks involved.
What To Expect From The Procedure
A frenectomy is a simple and quick procedure typically performed in a dental or surgical office. It involves:
- Local Anesthesia: Numbing the area to ensure your child is comfortable and pain-free.
- Cutting The Frenulum: Using sterile scissors or a laser, the provider will make a small cut to release the tongue. This usually takes just a few minutes.
- Immediate Improvement: Many parents notice an immediate improvement in their child’s tongue mobility and ability to breastfeed or eat.
Recovery Process
Recovery from a frenectomy is generally swift and uncomplicated. Here’s what to expect:
- Minimal Discomfort: Your child may experience some mild discomfort or swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief as advised by the dentist.
- Healing Time: The cut typically heals within a few days to a week. It’s important to follow any post-procedure care instructions, such as stretching exercises, to prevent reattachment.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Your provider will schedule follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns.
Milk & Milestones Is Here To Provide Your Child With Speech Therapy Support
After the tongue tie is released, some children may still require speech therapy to address any lingering speech issues. At Milk & Milestones Therapy, our skilled speech therapists provide comprehensive support to help your child develop clear and effective communication skills.
Initial Assessment
The first step in speech therapy is a detailed assessment. This involves:
- Evaluating Speech and Language Skills: Our therapists will assess your child’s ability to produce sounds, understand language, and use language to communicate.
- Identifying Specific Challenges: Determining which sounds or speech patterns are problematic and developing a personalized therapy plan.
Individualized Therapy Sessions
Speech therapy at Milk & Milestones Therapy is tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our sessions may include:
- Articulation Exercises: Activities to help your child practice and perfect the pronunciation of challenging sounds.
- Oral Motor Exercises: Techniques to strengthen the muscles used in speech, improving overall clarity.
- Interactive Play: Using games and activities to make learning fun and engaging, which helps motivate your child.
Parental Involvement
We believe in the power of collaboration between therapists and parents. Our therapists will:
- Provide Home Exercises: Offer strategies and exercises you can do at home to reinforce what your child learns in therapy.
- Regular Progress Updates: Keep you informed about your child’s progress and any adjustments needed in the therapy plan.
Supporting Your Child Every Step of the Way
At Milk & Milestones Therapy, we understand that dealing with a tongue tie and related speech issues can be a source of anxiety for parents. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from the initial diagnosis and procedure to recovery and speech therapy.
We are dedicated to helping your child overcome these challenges and develop strong, clear communication skills. If you have concerns about your child’s tongue tie or speech development, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can ensure your child achieves their full potential and enjoys a bright future filled with confident communication. Contact Milk & Milestones Therapy today at 201-401-0702 to learn more about our services and how we can support your family.