Ankyloglossia Study

Categories: News

Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz, CA

The tongue’s mobility or lack thereof has a significant impact on the growth and development of the soft and hard tissues in the mouth, nasal passages, and airways. Most commonly, the tongue is restricted due to a tongue-tie that prevents the tip of the tongue from reaching the upper palate or roof of the mouth.

A recent study conducted of 302 consecutive orthodontic patients determined that the extent of which the tongue can elevate toward the roof of the mouth is connected with maxillary hypoplasia, which essentially means an underdevelopment of the upper jaw. Not only are there health consequences of an underdeveloped upper jaw, but also the aesthetic consequences can be undesirable. With these risks factors, ankyloglossia cannot be ignored and must be treated as soon as possible or during a child’s growth and development.

Click here to read the study