The Role of the Tongue in Maxillary Development
The tongue plays an important role in the development of the jaw and oral cavity. When not in use, the tongue should naturally rest against the roof of the mouth. When the tongue rests in this position it expands the upper maxilla and creates space in the oral cavity for proper dental development. It also promotes proper breathing technique; that is, deep breathing through the upper airway through the nose.
Forward Head Posture is just one of the things we take into consideration when assessing the best care for you.
In holistic dentistry one of the primary tenants of our practice is to consider the whole individual. Since everything in the body is connected, taking into account any and all issues offers us clues to oral contributions to other problems such as forward head posture. Understanding contributing factors helps us craft a dental treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What is a Tongue Tie?
Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue tie, is a condition that affects the tongue’s range of motion within the oral cavity. When the lingual frenulum is tight, short, or attaches closer to the tip of the tongue, it can impact the flexibility and range of motion the tongue has in the mouth. This can affect functions such as eating and speech. It can also affect maxillary development. If the tongue is unable to reach and rest comfortably on the roof of the mouth, it is unable to help expand the upper maxilla. If left unchecked, Ankyloglossia can lead to an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea as a result of an underdeveloped upper airway.
The Studies
A 2019 study based in Rome aimed to evaluate ankyloglossia as a risk factor for sleep disordered breathing in children. Of 504 participants ages 6 to 14, 114 presented with short lingual frenulum. Those children with short lingual frenulum were “at significantly higher risk for positive [sleep clinical record] compared to those with a frenulum or normal length”. The study concluded that a short lingual frenulum is in fact a risk factor for SDB.
Another study published in March of this year also aimed to assess the impact a short lingual frenulum had on a child’s risk of OSA. 135 children between the ages of 3 and 17 participated. These children were split into a study group (67) and a control group (68). Those children in the study group were cited as having significantly shorter lingual frenulum. The study concluded that “detecting and addressing ankyloglossia in children is necessary before it leads to orofacial changes, malocclusion, and consequently, sleep apnea”.
Addressing Tongue Tie
So, how do we address ankyloglossia?
It’s actually quite a simple procedure.
A tongue tie release can be gently performed using a CO2 laser. Ecologic Dentistry follows the surgical procedures taught and developed by Dr. Faroush Zaghi of The Breath Institute (TBI).
Contact Ecological Dentistry for a consultation about releasing a tongue tie.