When you think of tongue-tie, you may think of the feeding difficulties that it causes for infants and their breastfeeding mothers. The truth is, though, that this condition can cause a full range of problems in individuals of all ages. It can even increase the risk of tooth decay! How does it do so, and how can treatment help? This blog post explains.
A Healthy Tongue Helps to Prevent Cavities
Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches in the food you consume. This process leads to the formation of plaque and tartar, which are acidic biofilms that can damage tooth enamel (the outer layer of teeth) and eventually result in cavities.
A healthy tongue can easily reach most areas of the mouth. After you eat, it can help to clean away accumulations of food that might have settled on the chewing surfaces of your teeth or along their outer edges. Once that food is gone, bacteria can no longer feed on it and produce plaque.
Tongue-Tie May Lead to Decay
While a healthy tongue can move freely around the oral cavity, that is not the case when a tongue-tie is present. If you have this condition, an overly thick or short band of tissue is connecting your tongue to the floor of your mouth. This restricts its movements and can hinder the natural cleaning process that typically occurs after each meal. Therefore, food is more likely to stay in your mouth and contribute to the formation of plaque.
Tongue-Tie Treatment Can Help
If you have struggled with cavities throughout your life, there is a chance that you have an untreated tongue-tie! Fortunately, a simple and quick surgical process known as a frenectomy can free up your tongue. During the treatment, all your dentist does is use a soft tissue laser to remove or modify the band of tissue that is hindering the proper function of your tongue.
Healing from tongue-tie treatment is a fast process, with most patients returning to normal activities within just a few days and full healing taking just a couple of weeks. You may also need to do some exercises or attend myofunctional therapy to train your tongue to work properly after it is freed.
Tooth decay related to tongue-tie is preventable! If you or a loved one have this condition, now is the best time to seek a consultation with a qualified dental professional.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Garcia-DeMartino is a highly skilled dentist with extensive training in the treatment of tongue-tie. She uses advanced technology to perform frenectomies and is even a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. If you or one of your children has a tongue-tie, our team is ready to welcome you into our Phillipsburg office for a consultation. Contact us at 908-840-8399.