Children & Adolescents Screening Tips for Tongue or Lip Ties
Screening a child/adolescent for a tongue or lip tie typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. Here are some steps that may be involved in screening for tongue tie in an adolescent:
Medical History: Your adolescent's medical history, including any previous concerns related to feeding, speech, dental or orthodontic issues, or other symptoms associated with tongue tie or lip tie are important to determining whether or not a frenectomy is recommended
Visual Examination: Parents can often see these "tight" attachments.
For Tongue Tie Visual Examination: Conduct a thorough oral examination to assess the appearance and function of the tongue. Look for signs such as a heart-shaped or notched appearance of the tongue tip, limited range of motion, or any visible signs of a tight or short lingual frenulum (the band of tissue under the tongue).
Medical History: Your adolescent's medical history, including any previous concerns related to feeding, speech, dental or orthodontic issues, or other symptoms associated with tongue tie or lip tie are important to determining whether or not a frenectomy is recommended
Visual Examination: Parents can often see these "tight" attachments.
For Tongue Tie Visual Examination: Conduct a thorough oral examination to assess the appearance and function of the tongue. Look for signs such as a heart-shaped or notched appearance of the tongue tip, limited range of motion, or any visible signs of a tight or short lingual frenulum (the band of tissue under the tongue).
For Lip Tie Visual Examination: Conduct a visual examination of the adolescent's upper lip while at rest. Look for any visible signs of a tight or restricted attachment of the upper lip to the upper gum. Signs may include a thick or tight band of tissue connecting the lip to the gum, limited upward movement of the lip, or a noticeable gap between the front teeth.
Functional Assessment:
Tongue Tie Functional Assessment: Assess the adolescent's ability to perform various tongue movements, such as extending the tongue, touching the roof of the mouth, moving the tongue from side to side, or protruding the tongue beyond the lips. Evaluate any difficulties or restrictions in these movements.
Lip Tie Functional Assessment: Assess the adolescent's ability to fully flange the upper lip outward. This involves evaluating their ability to evert the upper lip to create a proper seal during activities like drinking from a cup or using a straw.
Feeding or Speech Evaluation:
Evaluate the adolescent's speech patterns, including clarity, pronunciation, and any difficulties or challenges with certain sounds or speech functions that may be associated with tongue tie. If the adolescent experiences ongoing challenges with feeding, speech, or other related issues, a more detailed evaluation may be necessary.
Collaboration with Specialists:
Depending on the findings, Peninsula Tongue Tie may refer the adolescent to specialists such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), speech-language pathologist, or a myofunctional therapist.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in evaluating tongue ties to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations for the adolescent.