How Speech Therapy Can Help After Tongue Tie Release

A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion. This ¹ restriction is caused by an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. While a frenotomy, a simple surgical procedure to release the tongue tie, can provide immediate physical relief, it's often just the first step in addressing the potential challenges caused by the restricted tongue movement. Speech therapy plays a crucial role in maximising the benefits of a tongue tie release, helping individuals develop proper oral motor skills and overcome any compensatory patterns that may have developed over time. At Town Hall Dental, we understand the importance of comprehensive care, and that includes recognising the vital contribution of speech therapy following a tongue tie procedure.  

Understanding the Impact of Tongue Tie on Oral Motor Skills

Even after a successful tongue tie release, the muscles of the tongue and surrounding oral structures may not automatically function optimally. Years of restricted movement can lead to weakness, incoordination, and the development of incorrect movement patterns. For instance, individuals with a long-standing tongue tie might have learned to compensate by using jaw or neck muscles to achieve certain tongue movements, which are not efficient or sustainable in the long run. Speech therapy helps to retrain these muscles, promoting strength, coordination, and a full range of motion. This is essential for various oral motor skills, including proper sucking, chewing, and swallowing. Without targeted exercises and guidance from a speech therapist, individuals may continue to experience difficulties with these fundamental functions despite the physical release of the tongue tie. Addressing these underlying motor skill deficits is a key focus of post-tongue tie speech therapy.

Addressing Speech and Articulation Difficulties Post-Release

One of the most common concerns associated with tongue tie is its potential impact on speech development and articulation. The tongue plays a vital role in producing a wide range of speech sounds, particularly consonants such as /t/, /d/, /n/, /l/, /r/, /s/, and /z/. A restricted tongue can make it difficult to achieve the precise tongue placement required for these sounds, leading to mispronunciations or unclear speech. While a tongue tie release removes the physical barrier, the individual may still need support to learn and consistently produce these sounds correctly. Speech therapy provides this crucial support through targeted exercises that focus on tongue placement, airflow, and muscle coordination necessary for clear articulation. The therapist will assess the individual's specific speech errors and develop a personalised treatment plan to address these challenges. This process often involves repetitive practice and strategies to help the individual become aware of their tongue movements and make the necessary adjustments. Overcoming these speech difficulties is a significant benefit of post-tongue tie speech therapy.

The Role of Speech Therapy in Feeding and Swallowing

Beyond speech, a tongue tie can also affect feeding and swallowing, particularly in infants. A restricted tongue can hinder proper latching onto the breast or bottle, leading to difficulties with milk transfer, poor weight gain, and frustration for both the baby and the parent. In older children and adults, a tongue tie can contribute to difficulties with chewing certain textures, managing food in the mouth, and efficiently swallowing. While a tongue tie release can improve these functions, speech therapy plays a vital role in optimising feeding and swallowing skills. Speech therapists who specialise in oral motor and feeding therapy can assess the individual's specific challenges and develop strategies to improve sucking patterns, chewing efficiency, and swallowing coordination. This may involve exercises to strengthen the oral muscles, improve sensory awareness, and teach safe swallowing techniques. Addressing these feeding and swallowing difficulties is another important aspect of how speech therapy can help after a tongue tie release.

Preventing Compensatory Patterns and Promoting Long-Term Oral Health

As mentioned earlier, individuals with a tongue tie often develop compensatory patterns to overcome the limitations of their restricted tongue movement. These compensations can involve using other muscles in the face, jaw, and neck in ways that are not ideal and can potentially lead to other issues over time, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain or muscle imbalances. Speech therapy can help to identify and address these compensatory patterns, promoting more efficient and natural oral motor movements. By focusing on proper tongue function and overall oral motor coordination, speech therapy contributes to long-term oral health and well-being. Furthermore, speech therapists can provide education and guidance on oral hygiene practices that may be particularly relevant for individuals who have had a tongue tie, ensuring that they can effectively clean all areas of their mouth now that the tongue has a greater range of motion. This proactive approach helps to prevent future problems and ensures the lasting benefits of the tongue tie release.

In conclusion, while a tongue tie release is a crucial step in addressing the physical limitations caused by ankyloglossia, speech therapy is often an essential follow-up to maximise the benefits of the procedure. Speech therapy helps individuals develop proper oral motor skills, overcome speech and articulation difficulties, improve feeding and swallowing functions, and prevent compensatory patterns. At Town Hall Dental, we believe in a holistic approach to care and recognise the invaluable role that speech therapy plays in ensuring the best possible outcomes after a tongue tie release. If you or your child has undergone a tongue tie release, we encourage you to consider the benefits of speech therapy.

Have you or your child experienced a tongue tie release? What were your experiences with post-release therapy or challenges you faced? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!