Don't Hide Your Unhealthy Smile - Improve It Instead

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Don't Hide Your Unhealthy Smile - Improve It Instead

After spending years with gum disease, I can honestly tell you that I absolutely love my smile now. I spent so much time hiding my gum disease from other people. No matter who I met, I simply refused to smile. I lost so many chances to make new friends - people I could hang out with, or even talk to after work. But after sitting down and really talking to my dentist, I decided to take control of my dental health. My dentist offered real advice on how to take better care of my mouth. As of right now, my gums are the healthiest they've ever been. I hope that this blog gives you the strength and courage to take control of your dental health as well. I believe that your smile opens doors to new opportunities in life. You just need to be brave enough to take them.

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What To Understand About Tongue Release Procedures

A tongue release, also known as a frenectomy or lingual frenulum release, is a medical procedure to address a condition called ankyloglossia or "tongue tie." Tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is tight, short, or otherwise restricts the movement of the tongue.

Tongue movement is important: 

  • The tongue is vital when it comes to speech. The tongue's movements create the sounds we make by interacting with other structures in the mouth.
  • The tongue is essential for swallowing and chewing food. It helps move food around the mouth, mix it with saliva, and form it into a cohesive bolus for safe swallowing.
  • The tongue contains taste buds that enable you to perceive different flavors. The taste buds detect and transmit signals to the brain, allowing you to pick out flavors like sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami tastes.
  • An optimal tongue posture, such as resting against the roof of the mouth, can contribute to proper nasal breathing, ensuring adequate airflow and promoting healthier respiration.
  • Tongue movement is essential for developing and refining oral motor skills in infants and children. These skills include sucking, licking, tongue protrusion, lateralization, and controlled movements necessary for feeding, articulation, and overall oral development.

Tongue Release Procedure

  1. Anesthesia: For infants and young children, the procedure is often performed using local anesthesia, such as a numbing gel or injection, to minimize discomfort. Older children or adults may receive a local anesthetic injection or, in some cases, general anesthesia.
  2. Frenulum release: The healthcare professional will use sterile instruments, such as scissors or a laser, to perform the actual frenulum release. The goal is to cut or remove the frenulum to increase the mobility of the tongue. The specific technique used may vary depending on the healthcare professional's preference and the severity of the tongue tie.
  3. Control bleeding: After the release, any bleeding from the incision site is controlled. The healthcare professional may apply pressure or use a cauterizing tool to seal any blood vessels that may be bleeding.
  4. Postoperative care: Instructions will be provided on how to care for the area after the procedure. This may include information on pain management, wound care, and any dietary restrictions.

The procedure is usually relatively quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes to complete. The recovery period is typically short, with most individuals experiencing minimal discomfort and returning to normal activities within a few days. Learn more by speaking with your healthcare professional about tongue releases.


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