Cut the Tether, Unleash Your Speaking Potential
Tongue tie is typically a condition that a patient is born with. Tongue tie is common and generally evident immediately after the child’s birth. The best time to address tongue tie is during infancy to prevent nursing and speech development complications.However, dentists can fix tongue tie in children and adults at any age. We recommend that infants and children see their pediatrician for the procedure.
Claremont Dental Institute provides comprehensive dental care for patients in Claremont, CA. We provide tongue tie treatments for adults from the comfort of our dentist office and work with a team of highly skilled dental care professionals. Our state-of-the-art dental technology and advanced materials provide high-quality dentistry to Claremont families.
What is a Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie is a condition that occurs when the skin flap that holds the tongue to the base of the mouth is too tight or too short. The skin tethers the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, making it difficult for the tongue to make a full range of motion.
Tongue tie may impact:
- Eating
- Speech Development
- Exacerbated Mouth Breathing
- The ability to speak clearly
- Swallowing difficulties and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as a reflux disorder or slow transit time
- Physical and emotional challenges including sleep apnea, fatigue, and sensory processing problems
Do tongue ties affect speech?
Tongue ties may cause issues with pronouncing certain letters, sounds, and words. Many children adjust to this and can correct certain sounds to be understandable. Some children will go to speech therapy to help them learn to articulate their words.
Children may have speech issues in a different language if they are learning to speak and pronounce sounds or words differently from their native tongue. This can cause confusion or impairment of language development.
How to Determine if You Have a Tongue Tie
Tongue tie is easy to diagnose and your dentist can successfully fix it. Symptoms of tongue tie may include difficulty sticking out the tongue past the lower jaw or the inability to lift the tongue up to the top jaw. Your dentist can diagnose tongue tie. Treating tongue tie can prevent more extreme symptoms in the future.
Are Tongue ties genetic?
Tongue ties can be genetic, but they are not always hereditary. If a direct family member had tongue tie as a child, you are more prone to have it. Tongue tie affects about 10% of children. Tongue tie typically affects children, but adults may live with tongue tie as well.
How do I fix my Tongue Tie?
Claremont Dental Institute provides tongue tie treatment with the Solea Laser in adult patients. Laser dentistry eliminates the need for surgery, and treating tongue tie with the Solea Laser is quick, effective, and nearly painless.
The Solea Laser promotes natural healing and reduces swelling and discomfort. Patients enjoy shorter downtime after treatment, and patients who receive treatment with the laser often do not need a local anesthetic. Your dentist can perform the tongue tie treatment in just one visit to our Claremont, CA dentist office.
At what age should you cut a tongue tie?
Deciding when to cut a tongue tie is a difficult decision. While the age of when to do so can vary depending on the individual, many recommend getting the procedure at around age 2. If tongue tie does not correct itself by the age of 2 or 3, many patients will choose to undergo a tongue tie treatment known as a frenectomy. A frenectomy is the surgical removal of a small part of the tongue which allows for better breastfeeding and speech development.
What happens if you don’t correct a tongue tie?
Tongue ties can cause speech issues, increased risk of tooth decay, and gum problems. It is easy to correct and can help preserve your oral health and improve your speaking.
Request a Dental Exam & Consultation
Claremont Dental Institute is a family dental practice incorporating the most advanced dental technology to provide patients with the most precise and effective treatment options.
We welcome new patients of all ages from the greater Claremont area, including San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, La Verne, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland California. To request your smile makeover consultation, contact our office at (909) 277-6919 or request your consultation online.