TONGUE/LIP/BUCCAL (CHEEK) TIES

Understanding Tongue/Lip/Buccal (Cheek) Ties:

Definition: Oral ties, or Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs), refer to conditions where the tissues connecting the tongue, lip, or cheek to the mouth's floor or upper jaw are shorter than usual. This can restrict the range of motion and impact various oral functions.

Common Types of Oral Ties:

  1. Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia):

    • Restriction of the strip of skin beneath the tongue.

  2. Lip Tie:

    • Restriction of the tissue connecting the upper lip to the upper jaw.

  3. Buccal (Cheek) Tie:

    • Restriction of the tissue connecting the cheek to the mouth's upper or lower jaw.

How Oral Ties Impact Communication:

  1. Speech Challenges: Limited tongue movement can affect articulation and pronunciation.

  2. Feeding Difficulties: Infants may face challenges latching onto the breast or bottle.

  3. Oral Hygiene Issues: Difficulty reaching certain areas of the mouth for cleaning.

Speech Therapy and Oral Ties Care:

At Speech Castle, our Oral Ties Care services are designed to address the unique challenges associated with tongue, lip, and buccal ties.

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Our experienced therapists conduct thorough assessments to evaluate the impact of oral ties on speech and oral function.

2. Speech Therapy Techniques: Tailored speech therapy exercises are introduced to address articulation challenges and enhance oral motor skills.

3. Feeding Support: For infants, feeding strategies are provided to assist with latch and sucking patterns.

4. Oral Motor Exercises: Targeted exercises are introduced to enhance tongue, lip, and cheek mobility, facilitating improved oral function.

5. Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals: We work collaboratively with dentists or surgeons who may perform procedures to release oral ties, ensuring a holistic approach to care.

Post-Procedure Care:

Following any procedures to release oral ties, our care continues to optimize recovery and maximize the benefits.

1. Speech Rehabilitation: Our therapists guide individuals through post-procedure speech exercises, ensuring a smooth transition to improved articulation and speech clarity.

2. Oral Motor Exercises: Continued exercises focus on strengthening and maintaining optimal oral function.

3. Collaborative Care: Ongoing collaboration with healthcare professionals ensures coordinated care for sustained oral well-being.

How Speech Therapy Helps:

Speech therapy plays a pivotal role in the Oral Ties Care journey:

  • Articulation Improvement: Targeted exercises enhance tongue, lip, and cheek movement, improving speech articulation.

  • Oral Motor Skills Enhancement: Exercises strengthen oral muscles, supporting improved oral function.

  • Feeding Support: Strategies are provided to assist with feeding challenges, ensuring optimal nutrition for infants.

Conclusion:

Oral Ties Care at Speech Castle is a personalized journey toward unlocking speech freedom and enhancing oral well-being. If you or your loved one is navigating the challenges of oral ties, contact us today. Our specialized speech therapy services are designed to provide comprehensive care, from assessment to post-procedure rehabilitation. Together, let's embark on a path to liberated communication and optimal oral health.