Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the lingual frenulum, the small band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short, restricting the tongue’s movement. While a frenectomy (surgical release) is often performed to correct this, neglecting the prescribed stretches afterward can significantly impact the long-term success of the procedure. What Happens If You Don’t Do Tonguetie Stretches is that the benefits gained from the frenectomy can be reversed, leading to a frustrating return of the original limitations.
The Risks of Neglecting Post-Frenectomy Stretches
The primary concern when skipping tongue-tie stretches is the potential for reattachment or scarring of the frenulum. After a frenectomy, the body naturally begins to heal the surgical site. Without consistent and proper stretching, the healing process can lead to the frenulum reattaching to the base of the tongue, effectively undoing the release. This is because collagen fibers, which form scar tissue, tend to contract during the healing process. Stretching helps to break down these fibers and encourage them to align in a way that promotes optimal tongue movement.
Beyond reattachment, neglecting stretches can also result in the formation of thick, inflexible scar tissue. This scar tissue, even if it doesn’t completely reattach the tongue, can still restrict its range of motion. This can lead to a variety of functional difficulties. Some examples of these difficulties can be seen on the table below:
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Speech Impairment | Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, especially those requiring tongue elevation (e.g., /r/, /l/, /th/, /d/, /t/, /n/, /z/, /s/). |
| Feeding Difficulties | In infants, this can manifest as poor latch, difficulty transferring milk, and failure to thrive. In older children and adults, it may lead to messy eating and difficulty with certain textures. |
| Oral Hygiene Issues | Restricted tongue movement can make it difficult to clean the teeth properly, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. |
Ultimately, consistent tongue-tie stretches are a crucial component of a successful frenectomy outcome. They ensure that the tongue maintains its newly acquired range of motion, preventing reattachment, minimizing scar tissue formation, and optimizing function. Adherence to the prescribed stretching protocol is essential for maximizing the benefits of the procedure and achieving long-term improvement in speech, feeding, and oral health. Skipping these stretches will lead to all of the problems we have discussed. Here is a short list of reminders:
- Prevents reattachment
- Minimizes scar tissue
- Optimizes function
For detailed information and guidance on proper tongue-tie stretches, consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide specific instructions tailored to your individual needs and ensure you are performing the exercises correctly to achieve the best possible results.