Tongue & Lip Ties in Jacksonville, FL

Understanding Tongue and Lip Ties

Tethered oral tissues refer to conditions where the tongue or lip is restricted in movement due to abnormal attachment to the structures of the mouth. This can occur in the form of tongue ties (ankyloglossia) or lip ties, impacting various aspects of oral function, speech, growth of the jaws, and overall health.

Spotting the Signs

Infants

Difficulty latching or feeding
Poor weight gain
Clicking or popping sounds while nursing
Open mouth posture
Colicky or fussy behavior
Lip blister after feeding
Painful breastfeeding
Reflux

Children

Speech delays or difficulty with articulation
Challenges with oral functions such as closing the lips, swallowing, or frequent choking on food
Dental concerns like crowded or crooked teeth
High rate of tooth decay
Narrow dental arches
Elongated facial structure
Excessive gum display (gummy smiles)
Symptoms of ADHD or attention difficulties
Retained baby teeth with permanent teeth erupting behind or in front (“shark teeth”)
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Tightly spaced baby teeth with no gaps
Restless or disrupted sleep patterns

Adults

Persistent speech difficulties or articulation challenges
Chronic neck and shoulder pain
Mouth breathing
Difficulty swallowing or choking on food
Difficulty with oral hygiene or gum health
Poor sleep quality
Receding gums
Decay
Waking without feeling rested

What happens if left untreated?

Untreated tongue and lip ties can lead to a range of complications across all age groups, including:

Continued feeding difficulties and poor weight gain in infants
Speech and language development issues in children
Poor facial development, with the dental arches narrowing due to the tongue’s inability to properly posture, leading to crowding of the teeth and poor bite alignment
Oral health problems such as gum recession, tooth decay, and malocclusion in adults
Tension and pain in the jaw, headaches, neck, and shoulders due to improper alignment of the lower jaw
Upper lip ties, if untreated, can contribute to a gap between the front teeth (diastema), cause difficulty resting the lips together without muscle strain, and even lead to gum recession

The earlier these issues are addressed, the better. However, it is never too late to seek treatment.

Our Comprehensive Treatment Approach

At Airway Dental & More, we use a variety of methods for addressing tethered oral tissues that are patient-centered:

Diagnosis process: Thorough evaluation and assessment to identify the extent and impact of the tethered tissues
Airway consideration: Understanding the role of oral tissues in airway function and its potential impact on overall health
Whole health consideration: Recognizing the interrelation of proper oral tissue function and position with overall well-being
Myofunctional therapy pre and post-surgery: Utilizing exercises to optimize oral function before and after corrective procedures
Laser therapy: Our preferred method for tissue release, offering benefits such as minimal discomfort, faster healing, and reduced risk of complications.
Wound management: Guidance on proper post-procedure wound care to promote optimal healing, prevent complications, and ensure successful outcomes