#FUNCTIONAL FRENULOPLASTY

[tonguetie25]

In our practice we use the Functional Frenuloplasty procedure to release tongue ties for toddlers, children and adults. This approach has been adapted from Dr. Soroush Zaghi of The Breathe Institute, Los Angeles who is an ENT& globally renowned sleep surgeon who has established this functional approach to tongue ties. Dr.Ankita had got the opportunity to observe Dr. Soroush Zaghi, a renowned ENT & Sleep Surgeon perform Functional Frenuloplasty tongue tie surgeries at his practice in Los Angeles. She is The Breathe Institute’s First Indian Ambassador.

[agavepediatrics]

Understanding Tongue-Tie: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options in Arizona

Introduction

Have you ever heard of tongue-tie? It’s a condition that can affect anyone from infancy to adulthood, making everyday tasks like eating and speaking a real challenge. Understanding tongue-tie, its symptoms, and treatment options, especially in Arizona, can make a world of difference for those affected. Let’s dive into the details.

Symptoms of Tongue-Tie

Common Signs in Infants

For parents, noticing signs of tongue-tie in their newborns can be crucial. Look out for difficulties with breastfeeding, such as trouble latching on or staying latched, and excessive fussiness. Infants may also have a hard time sticking their tongue out past their lower gums.

Symptoms in Older Children

As children grow, symptoms of tongue-tie might become more apparent. They might struggle with certain speech sounds, particularly those requiring the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth. Eating can also be tricky, with kids having trouble moving food around in their mouths.

Impact on Speech and Eating

Tongue-tie can significantly impact speech and eating. Children may develop speech impediments, making it hard for them to be understood by others. Eating challenges can lead to picky eating habits and even nutritional issues due to difficulty chewing and swallowing.

Causes of Tongue-Tie

Genetic Factors

Genetics often play a role in tongue-tie. If a parent had tongue-tie, there’s a higher chance their child might have it too. It’s an inherited condition that can run in families.

Developmental Issues

Sometimes, tongue-tie occurs due to developmental issues during pregnancy. The tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, called the frenulum, might not develop properly, leading to restricted tongue movement.

Diagnosing Tongue-Tie

Initial Examination

The journey to diagnosing tongue-tie usually starts with a routine check-up. Pediatricians often notice the signs during an infant’s early visits and recommend further evaluation if necessary.

Role of Pediatricians and Specialists

Pediatricians and Tongue Tie Specialists play a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating this condition. They use specific criteria and assessments to determine the severity of tongue-tie and the best course of action.

Diagnostic Criteria

Diagnosis involves examining the tongue’s range of motion, the appearance of the frenulum, and how these factors affect feeding, speech, and overall oral health.

Impact of Tongue-Tie on Daily Life

Breastfeeding Challenges

One of the most immediate concerns with tongue-tie is its impact on breastfeeding. Babies with tongue-tie may not be able to latch properly, leading to inadequate milk intake and discomfort for both mother and child.

Speech Development

As children grow, tongue-tie can hinder speech development. They might struggle with articulating certain sounds, which can affect their communication skills and confidence.

Oral Health Concerns

Tongue-tie can also lead to oral health issues. Poor tongue mobility can affect oral hygiene, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease due to difficulty in clearing food debris from the mouth.

Treatment Options for Tongue-Tie

Non-Surgical Approaches

In mild cases, non-surgical approaches like speech therapy or exercises might be recommended to improve tongue mobility and function.

Frenotomy Procedure

A common treatment is the frenotomy, a quick procedure where the frenulum is snipped to release the tongue. It’s usually done in a doctor’s office with minimal discomfort and swift recovery.

Frenuloplasty Procedure

For more severe cases, a frenuloplasty might be necessary. This surgical procedure involves altering the frenulum’s structure to allow for better tongue movement and is often performed under general anesthesia.

Post-Treatment Care

After treatment, follow-up care is essential. This might include exercises to improve tongue movement and ensure proper healing. Regular check-ups with Arizona Pediatric Specialists are also recommended to monitor progress.

Choosing the Right Specialist

Importance of Expertise

Selecting the right specialist is crucial for effective treatment. Expertise in diagnosing and treating tongue-tie ensures the best outcomes for patients.

Tongue Tie Specialists in Arizona

Arizona is home to numerous skilled Tongue Tie Specialists who offer comprehensive care for this condition. Their expertise ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment tailored to their needs.

Arizona Pediatric Specialists

Arizona Pediatric Specialists are well-equipped to handle tongue-tie cases with the latest techniques and compassionate care. Their holistic approach addresses not just the physical aspects but also the emotional and developmental needs of the child.

Why Early Intervention is Crucial

Benefits of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment of tongue-tie can prevent many complications. It ensures proper feeding, aids in normal speech development, and helps avoid oral health issues later in life.

Long-Term Outcomes

The long-term outcomes of treating tongue-tie early are overwhelmingly positive. Children can eat, speak, and grow without the hindrance of restricted tongue movement, leading to better overall health and development.

Why Choose Agave Pediatrics for Tongue-Tie Treatment?

At Agave Pediatrics, we pride ourselves on being the best in Arizona for treating tongue-tie. Our team of experienced Tongue Tie Specialists offers same-day sick visits and expert care for all your child’s needs. We provide comprehensive services, from diagnosis to post-treatment care, ensuring your child receives the highest standard of care.

Our services include:

Expert Diagnosis: Our pediatricians are skilled in diagnosing tongue-tie and assessing its impact on feeding, speech, and oral health.

Personalized Treatment Plans: We develop individualized treatment plans that address the specific needs of each child, whether that involves lactation support, speech therapy, or surgical intervention.

Compassionate Care: We prioritize the comfort and well-being of our young patients, ensuring a supportive and compassionate environment for both the child and the family.

Follow-Up and Support: Post-treatment care and ongoing support are integral parts of our approach, helping families navigate the journey towards improved feeding, speech, and overall health.

If you suspect your child may have tongue-tie, or if you have concerns about feeding, speech, or oral health, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Agave Pediatrics. Our team is here to help your child thrive.

Conclusion

Understanding tongue-tie and seeking appropriate treatment can make a significant difference in a child’s life. From improving feeding and speech to ensuring optimal oral health, addressing this condition early is key. If you suspect your child has tongue-tie, don’t hesitate to reach out to Arizona Pediatric Specialists for expert care.

FAQs

What is tongue-tie?

Ans: Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tongue’s range of motion is restricted due to a short, tight frenulum.

2. How is tongue-tie diagnosed?

Ans: Diagnosis involves a physical examination by a pediatrician or specialist, assessing the tongue’s movement and the frenulum’s appearance.

3. What are the treatment options for tongue-tie?

Ans: Treatments include non-surgical approaches, frenotomy, and frenuloplasty, depending on the severity of the condition.

4. How does tongue-tie affect speech?

Ans: Tongue-tie can hinder speech development, making it difficult for children to articulate certain sounds clearly.

5. Why choose Agave Pediatrics for tongue-tie treatment?

Ans: Agave Pediatrics offers expert care from experienced Tongue Tie Specialists, ensuring comprehensive treatment and support for your child’s needs.

[gentleproceduresbrisbane]

What is the Treatment for a Short Frenulum?

A frenulectomy is a specialised technique that treats this condition by removing the tight restriction, allowing increased penile skin range of motion. It is done under local anaesthesia in our Spring Hill, Brisbane, Underwood and Toowoomba clinics and takes only about 20 minutes to perform. The goal of the procedure is functional so that the tight frenulum is released, allowing improved sexual pleasure without fear of pain or bleeding.

Follow this link https://gentleproceduresbrisbane.com.au/penile-frenulectomy-frenuloplasty/

[allaboutholisticmedicine]

Myofunctional Disorders : Symptoms and Treatments

Orofacial myofunctional disorder is a muscle disorder of the face, jaws, mouth or lips. It typically refers to the abnormal resting posture of the lip, jaw, or tongue during eating, chewing, resting, breathing, speech or swallowing. It can be caused due to chronic finger or thumb sucking, upper airway obstruction, extended pacifier or bottle use or genetics. 

Some of the symptoms of OMDs are: 

 Nasal breathing 

 Teeth grinding or clenching  Headaches 

 Neck and shoulder pain 

 Back pain 

 Sleep disorders 

 TMJ disorders 

 Forward head and neck posture 

A] What is Myofunctional Therapy? 

Oral Myofunctional therapy is a highly effective physical therapy that improves breathing, oral habits, posture and swallowing. Myofunctional therapy is utilised to strengthen the tongue and orofacial muscles and correct their improper functions. This is achieved by toning the muscles to perform basic functions like swallowing and nasal breathing. When you train the facial muscles to behave in their best way, muscle memory can aid in keeping the jaw and teeth in alignment as they grow and develop.

Myofunctional therapy is an excellent alternative for treating sleep apnea and temporomandibular disorder. Apart from these, myofunctional therapy is used to treat other conditions in individuals, such as: 

 Headaches 

 Posture correction 

 Mouth breathing 

 Facial aesthetics 

 Orofacial pain 

 Speech 

 Snoring 

 Noisy Breathing 

 Tongue thrusting 

 Neck, shoulder and back pain 

 Before and after Tongue Tie Release 

B] Myofunctional Therapy 

1. Used For Tongue Tie 

Myofunctional therapy is used before and after the tongue tie surgery (Functional frenuloplasty). Just like a person treats their body after an injury with physical therapy, myofunctional therapy aids in training the tissues of the neck, face, tongue and mouth to function to the best of their ability. The goal of myofunctional therapy is to create awareness of muscle use and re-educate the tongue with the use of regular exercises. 

2. Used For Sleep Apnea 

Oral Myofunctional therapy can help reduce the symptoms of sleepdisordered breathing and improve mild to moderate Obstructive sleep apnea. Through a set of exercises, this therapy can help strengthen the muscles of the mouth and tongue. Another benefit of the therapy is that it can prevent relapse of sleep apnea postsurgical treatment. Some of the features of myofunctional therapy are: 

 It is non-invasive and used to improve nasal breathing and correct posture by re-patterning the head, face, tongue and neck muscles. 

 It helps you adopt a healthy lifestyle that can improve your health in the long run. 

 It works alongside other treatments, such as CPAP or other oral appliances. 

3. Used For TMD 

TMD or temporomandibular disorder is a common problem often viewed as a repetitive myofunctional disorder that causes the eventual breakdown of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. People who suffer from TMJ usually face fatigued and spasming facial muscles. This is a result of trauma, stress, clenching or inability to find a proper bite, incorrect swallowing and breathing dysfunction. Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on treating the root causes of TMJ. The therapy has shown a significant reduction in the pain sensitivity of all muscles. It also increases the mandibular mobility, range of motion and reduced frequency & severity of signs and symptoms of TMD.

Conclusion 

When it comes to treating tongue tie, sleep apnea, and TMD with orofacial myofunctional therapy, it is best to consult with an experienced specialist. They recommend tailored exercises for individuals based on the severity of the orofacial dysfunction. These exercises will help lower the severity of TMD, sleep apnea, and prevent tongue tie relapse. This, in turn, will help enhance the overall health and well-being of an individual.

[expatimes]

What to Expect for Your Baby or Toddler

Breastfeeding your newborn might seem like a natural thing, but it doesn’t always come naturally or easily to you or baby.

One reason some babies might have more difficulty breastfeeding is because of a tiny, barely noticeable extra bit of tissue under their tongue. This condition is called tongue-tie, and it can make breastfeeding more of a challenge for both of you.

Your healthcare provider or lactation consultant might recommend tongue-tie surgery, a small procedure that helps remedy this usually minor condition. Other experts don’t recommend tongue-tie surgery, though.

Here’s what to know to help you make the best decision for your little one.

About 10 percent of babies (mostly boys) are born with a tongue-tie, called ankyloglossia in medical terms.

Some of these babies might find it harder to latch on or suck in a coordinated way during breastfeeding. However, other newborns with tongue-tie may have no problems breastfeeding.

Everyone has a flap or fold of tissue or membrane connecting the underside of their tongue to the floor of their mouth. This membrane is called the lingual frenulum (or frenum). Typically, it gets thin and stretchy or mostly goes away before birth.

In babies with tongue-tie, the frenulum attaching the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is still mostly there or still thick and short. When this happens, their tongue can be tethered or held down tightly and might not move like it should.

In addition to breastfeeding issues, signs and symptoms of a tongue-tie in newborns can include the following:

Their tongue looks shorter or doesn’t stick out as much.

The tip of their tongue looks heart-shaped or is differently shaped when it moves forward.

Their tongue looks like it’s pulled downward in the center when it’s lifted.

Their tongue can’t reach the roof of their mouth.

You may be able to see or feel firm tissue or a membrane attaching baby’s tongue to the floor of their mouth.

A posterior tongue-tie happens when the membrane attaches at the back of the tongue. A posterior tongue-tie can be harder to see visually, but it can still affect the function and coordination of your baby’s tongue.

Traditionally, healthcare providers recommended tongue-tie surgery very soon after a newborn was diagnosed. This was because they believed it would improve breastfeeding problems.

In fact, tongue-tie surgeries increased tenfold between 1997 and 2012.

It’s only in the last few years that research has started to look more closely at how beneficial surgery really is. Many lactation consultants and other providers have now started exploring other therapeutic interventions, rather than jumping straight to recommending surgery.

A 2019 study that looked at 115 newborns with a tongue-tie found that 63 percent of babies didn’t need tongue-tie surgery to improve breastfeeding if they had a thorough examination with a pediatric speech and language pathologist (SLP).

Their feeding issues were caused by other problems like:

infant reflux

poor latching

low milk supply

If parents worked with the SLP to address their particular difficulties, breastfeeding typically improved and surgery wasn’t necessary.

On the other hand, some research shows that tongue-tie surgeries can be helpful.

A clinical study in 2019 found that out of 345 newborns with problems breastfeeding, 116 had a tongue-tie. The babies with a tongue-tie typically had more serious breastfeeding problems than babies without.

In the tongue-tie group, 30 babies had surgery. According to researchers, the surgery group showed significantly more improvement in breastfeeding than babies with tongue-tie who didn’t have the procedure.

Here are some pros and cons of tongue-tie surgery in newborns:

Tongue-tie surgery is no longer a one-size-fits-every-baby procedure. And there are different kinds of tongue-tie surgeries.

Fortunately, the frenulum doesn’t have a lot of nerves and blood vessels, so the surgery won’t normally cause much pain or a lot of bleeding.

If you decide on tongue-tie surgery, your healthcare team will help you choose the best procedure for your baby.

A note on terminology

“Frenotomy,” “frenectomy,” and “frenulectomy” are all terms that tend to be used interchangeably. They’re not precisely the same, but they’re all used the same way.

Frenotomy

This traditional procedure involves snipping or cutting the frenulum with a small scalpel to free the tongue.

Most babies don’t need numbing (anesthesia) and can feed right away after the surgery. Healing may take a few days.

Tongue-tie laser surgery

Laser surgery for tongue-tie is similar to a frenotomy except that a laser is used instead of a scalpel or knife.

Using a laser may help make tinier snips or cuts. This may help the area bleed less and have faster healing time.

Tongue-tie electrocautery

Electrocautery surgery uses electricity to heat and cut. This method is similar to frenotomy for a tongue-tie, except electricity is used to release the tongue instead of a scalpel.

It may help reduce bleeding and speed up healing time.

Frenuloplasty

This kind of surgery is for more complicated tongue-tie cases. It involves cutting and reattaching the frenulum with sutures.

A baby will have to be asleep (under anesthesia) for this procedure because it takes longer. In some cases, babies may need tongue exercises and speech therapy later on to fully recover.

In rare, complicated cases, your baby may have longer healing time after tongue-tie surgery. The procedure may also cause complications and side effects like:

dehydration

inability to feed

weight loss

damaged tongue muscles

damaged salivary (spit) glands

breathing problems

Healing and recovery after tongue-tie surgery depend on the type of tongue-tie your baby has and what kind of surgery was needed to treat it.

Some procedures may have a longer healing time, leading to a further delay in breastfeeding. Or your little one may find it easier to breastfeed right away after surgery.

Regardless of how the procedure is done — with a scalpel or laser — you’ll need to do oral exercises and stretches with your baby multiple times every day for several weeks afterward. This helps prevent the frenulum from regrowing in a restricted way.

Your doctor will show you which exercises to do and how to do them. It may feel uncomfortable to you at first — you’ll basically be stretching an open wound. But the exercises are an important part of finding success with the procedure.

A clinical study from 2018 followed 30 newborns that had tongue-tie surgery before they were 12 weeks old. Immediately after the surgery, 90 percent of the mothers reported improvement in breastfeeding and nipple pain. After 2 weeks, 83 percent of the mothers said there was improvement.

Tongue-tie is a minor condition that some newborns have at birth. In some cases, it doesn’t cause any problems at all. Other babies may have problems breastfeeding.

Tongue-tie can also cause problems later in life, like difficulty speaking or changes to the shape of the mouth.

Tongue-tie surgery is a small procedure that can help some babies with breastfeeding.

But new research shows that in some cases, surgery isn’t needed to improve breastfeeding in babies with tongue-tie. This can be especially true if parents see a lactation specialist for evaluation and nonsurgical treatment recommendations.

Your lactation consultant or healthcare provider can advise you on the best treatment for your little one and give you all the options if surgery is needed.

#health Read full article: https://expatimes.com/?p=14877&feed_id=20407