Tethered Oral Tissue

Understanding Tethered Oral Tissue

Tethered oral tissue refers to abnormal restrictions in the frenulum, the thin tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) and the lip to the gums (labial frenulum). A short or tight frenulum can limit tongue mobility, leading to complications such as:

Improper Oral Resting Posture: This can result in open-mouth breathing, contributing to a narrowed dental and palatal arch and negatively impacting the upper airway.

Craniofacial Development Issues: As children grow, tethered oral tissue may lead to a small upper airway, increasing the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Long-Term Effects: Teethered oral tissue can cause issues like headaches, neck and back pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, bruxism (teeth grinding), and feeding or speech difficulties.

Here’s a detailed look at our services that can help.

Treatment Options for Tethered Oral Tissue

A combination of surgical procedures and therapeutic approaches is often utilized to address tethered oral tissue effectively. Here are our primary services:

Myofunctional therapy provides pre- and post-procedure protocol training to support Lingual Frenuloplasty, usually done through your airway-focused pediatric dentist or ENT.

What Is Lingual Frenuloplasty?

Lingual Frenuloplasty is a surgical procedure that involves releasing the short or tight lingual frenulum to enhance tongue mobility.

Benefits:

Speech Improvement: Studies indicate that 89% of patients report better speech post-treatment.

Feeding Improvement: About 83% of children experience enhanced solid feeding abilities after the procedure.

Sleep Improvement: 83% of patients report better sleep quality, reducing the risk of sleep-disordered breathing.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional Therapy focuses on retraining the oral and facial muscles through specific exercises designed to restore proper tongue posture, improve breathing patterns, and enhance oral motor skills before and after the lingual frenectomy procedure. 

Benefits:

Holistic Improvement: Research shows that combining lingual frenuloplasty with myofunctional therapy can lead to an 87% improvement in quality of life, alleviating issues such as mouth breathing, snoring, and myofascial tension.

Enhanced Oral Function: Exercises help in developing proper muscle coordination, which is vital for effective speech and feeding.

Multidisciplinary Approach:

We provide our patients with collaboration referral forms for appropriate multidisciplinary consultations, ensuring an effective and dynamic approach to managing and treating tethered oral tissue.

Treatment for tethered oral tissue often involves collaboration among healthcare professionals, including speech-language pathologists, ENTs, dentists, orthodontists, and myofunctional therapists.

Benefits:

Comprehensive Care: This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of an individual’s health are addressed, from physical impediments to functional impairments.

Tailored Treatment Plans: Each professional contributes their expertise to create a customized treatment plan that meets the patient's specific needs.

Conclusion:

Tethered oral tissue can significantly affect oral health, craniofacial development, and overall quality of life. Early recognition and intervention are crucial in mitigating the complications associated with this condition. Services such as lingual frenuloplasty, myofunctional therapy, and a multidisciplinary approach can provide effective solutions for individuals affected by tethered oral tissue.

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms related to tethered oral tissue, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. By exploring the appropriate treatment options, you can improve oral function, enhance sleep quality, and promote overall health and well-being. Taking proactive steps today can lead to a brighter, healthier tomorrow.