The improvements of speech, feeding, and sleep after a lingual frenectomy
Recent studies have suggested that restricted tongue movement can contribute to speech, feeding, and sleep difficulties. A restricted tongue prevents the tongue from resting on the palate. The lack of proper placement of the tongue, especially during sleep, causes the tongue to fall into the pharynx at night and restricts the airway. This leads to sleep apnea or sleep disorders. Additionally, improper placement of the tongue affects the articulation of speech sounds and feeding skills. A restricted tongue can cause choking, frustration with eating, and pickiness with textures.
Studies have suggested that releasing the restricted lingual frenum and myofunctional therapy positively affect speech, feeding, and sleep. A lingual frenectomy can help reduce or eliminate a sleep disorder. Myofunctional therapy has been shown to retrain the tongue to rest in the oral cavity properly and prevent obstructing the airway. Incorporating the Spot Pal tongue training appliance with Myofunctional therapy can enhance the strengthening of the orofacial muscles and help maintain the proper tongue resting position.
Baxter, Richard, et al. “Functional Improvements of Speech, Feeding, and Sleep after Lingual Frenectomy Tongue-Tie Release: A Prospective Cohort Study.” Clinical Pediatrics, vol. 59, no. 9-10, 28 May 2020, pp. 885–892, https://doi.org/10.1177/