Who knew that this band of tissue could be so influential in to how we nurse as babies- to how our facial anatomy develops as children and adults?!
When the tongue is positioned correctly in the mouth at rest posture, we can then develop good oral myofunction which helps to facilitate better breathing and cranio-facial development.
People often times say that they feel a release in their body when they have gone through the procedure of a frenectomy (tongue tie release)- and I believe it’s because the constriction they once had, is no longer there.
A simple test for tongue-tie
Stand in front of the mirror and see how wide you can open your mouth- then place the tip of your tongue to the back of your upper front see teeth and see what happens to your lower jaw.
- Do you find yourself closing down significantly?
- Are your neck or jaw muscles straining to make this movement?
- Have you noticed other symptoms, such as being tired all the time or not having good breathing habits?
If so, perhaps it’s time to be evaluated by a provider who knows how to diagnose and treat tongue-tie.
I’m so fascinated by the study of this field- the approach to treating sleep disordered breathing is not just one mode of treatment, but instead understanding how to take a multifactorial and collaborative approach to give patients the best outcome.