The Controversy: What Exactly is a Tongue Tie & Why We Should Change the Verbiage
Thursday, May 9, 2024
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: 323-325
CE Credits: 1.5
Why is it, when we talk about tongue ties and the need for release we are met with resistance from providers? Why is exercise therapy so important prior to release? In this lecture we will have the answers on how to effectively communicate with providers and further advocate the need for presurgical exercise therapy. We discuss how the muscles of the orofacial complex support the structures in growth and development and why a restricted lingual frenum causes underdevelopment and parafunctional habits. We will review current research about orofacial restrictions and when a comprehensive evaluation is warranted. We discuss the need for combined exercise based therapy and massage therapy in adults with restrictions. Students will be able to communicate with their patients without using the word "Tongue Tie."
Learning Objectives:
Understand the reasons behind the resistance from providers when discussing tongue ties and the need for release, and develop effective strategies for communication and advocacy.
Recognize the significance of exercise therapy as a crucial step prior to tongue tie release and articulate its importance in achieving optimal treatment outcomes.
Explore the role of the muscles in the orofacial complex in supporting proper growth and development, and how a restricted lingual frenum can lead to underdevelopment and parafunctional habits.
Review current research on orofacial restrictions, and identify the indications for a comprehensive evaluation to determine the necessity of intervention.
Discuss the benefits of combining exercise-based therapy and massage therapy in patients with orofacial restrictions, and understand their respective roles in promoting functional improvements.
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Provide alternative methods of communication to effectively convey the concept of tongue ties without using the specific term, enabling open dialogue with patients and healthcare providers.
Foster a deeper understanding in the the need for a shift in verbiage and the importance of comprehensive evaluation and multidisciplinary approaches in managing orofacial restrictions.