How Does Tongue Tie Affect Jaw and Airway Development?
Conditions of Tongue Tie, Lip Tie and ALF treatment should be explored in kids with crowded teeth. If a tongue is “tied” down it has limited range of motion and it does not stimulate and push the teeth and jaws out properly during child development. The push of the tongue is what develops the jaws in face in a growing child. The Tongue can also not reach the Palate when it is Tied. The Tongue is responsible for developing the shape of the palate. If a Tongue is Tied, it may not even be able to reach the Palate. Palates in cases of a tied tongue will be high-vaulted and narrow. Tongue Tie can lead to under development of the jaws and airway. Small Mouths and Airways can lead to TMJ Pain and Sleep Apnea in Adulthood. Lip Ties will draw the lips back onto the teeth, resisting outward growth of the Jaws. When a Tongue is un-tied it can regain it’s range of motion and promote proper facial development.
Tongue Tie and Lip Tie can easily be treated in 1 min. with minimal pain and no bleeding. Diode Laser Treatment removes the unwanted attachment or “Tie”in seconds. The Procedure is called a “Frenectomy”
Growth and development of mouth begins within the uterus and continues for approximately the first six months of an infant’s life. Oral health and development problems usually develop within the first year of life. Negative changes and abnormalities in the face, mouth structures and airway are largely responsible for developmental abnormalities within the oral cavity. Tongue plays an important role in the normal development growth and function of mouth structures. Tongue is present in the floor of mouth and is attached to different bones through muscles. Tongue makes connection with the lower jaw, hyoid bone, styloid process and pharynx.
Mastication, chewing, swallowing, taste perception and sound production are among the important functions in which tongue assists teeth and mouth structures. Tip and margin of tongue, its dorsum and inferior surfaces and its root all play their part. The tip or margin of tongue usually rests against the upper front teeth while body of tongue rests against the palate. When your tongue is placed in correct posture, it exerts an upward and forward force on upper jaws helping in proper growth and development. Abnormal tongue posture causes disturbed jaw development as well as crowded teeth. Majority of tongue forces become distal in case of para-function.
Approximately 1.4 grams force is usually sufficient for causing movement of teeth and alterations in the bone structure in your mouth. Tongue muscles are capable of exerting approximately 500 grams force. These forces must work properly in a coordinated fashion according to body’s requirements in order to achieve healthy functioning and attractive smiles. These forces can be balanced if swallowing patterns are under control and upper tongue rest posture is maintained. This helps in the normal eruption of teeth around the tongue in lower jaw and prevents mal-alignment and development of rotated and crooked teeth.
In conclusion, your tongue must rest against the palate having lips sealed and the teeth slightly apart or in light contact. A perfect teeth occlusion and a beautiful smile depend upon normal tongue posture and shape. In case of tongue abnormalities and disorders, consult your oral surgeon for an early management plan.
DNA Appliance Therapy is a good option for adults suffering for from TMJ, Sleep Apnea and Jaw Under Development.