Babies are amazing at adapting, but sometimes, oral restrictions like tongue-ties can make things harder – leading to nursing struggles, speech delays, feeding issues, and even sleep problems later on.
Speech Difficulties
Children with oral restrictions can often show a delay in speech or speech errors beyond typical development. Some children spend years in speech therapy only to discover that their fluency problems and articulation errors are related to a restricted tongue movement.
Feeding & Swallowing Issues
Oral restrictions can impact children as they progress to pureed food, cup-drinking and solid foods. They may have trouble clearing the spoon with the upper lip or closing the lips together to swallow. A tongue that can’t move freely affects swallowing, chewing, and even how the mouth develops over time.
Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
Poor tongue posture and tongue restrictions may be linked to restless sleep, snoring, and even sleep apnea. How we breathe affects how we grow.
Dental Issues
Proper dental growth and development also depends on the tongue’s ability to rest against the palate.
What is the treatment for tongue-ties?
FUNCTIONAL FRENULOPLASTY SURGERY… A SAFE TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE
For children and adults whose tongue or lip ties interfere with growth and function, functional lingual frenuloplasty surgery is a game-changer! This advanced procedure involves the release of the oral restriction to improve range of motion for proper function while controlling healing with sutures.
Dr. Santos-Cordero incorporates several surgical techniques as well as the use of LightScalpel CO2 laser technology to fully release oral restrictions in a precise and safe manner. This technique is based on the latest research and surgical techniques and was pioneered by Dr. Soroush Zaghi, ENT and sleep surgeon from The Breathe Institute.
Dr. Santos, a laser-certified surgeon, is among the select few dentists worldwide who have personally trained with Dr. Zaghi through an intensive surgical proctorship and mini residency in tongue-tie, sleep, and airway. This advanced training earned her the distinction of becoming an Affiliate of The Breathe Institute.
Helping your child re-establish healthy patterns and overcome compensations often requires a team approach. Dr. Santos collaborates closely with Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Oral Myofunctional Therapists, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Pediatricians, and ENT specialists to provide comprehensive care and set your child up for long-term success.
Eat Effortlessly. Speak Confidently. Sleep Peacefully. Helping children thrive! Learn more at www.sarasotatonguetie.com.
If you suspect your child has a tongue or lip tie, give us a call! Early treatment can make a world of difference.
Call us at (941) 909-2979
