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Tongue Training

=== Tongue training is a technique used to encourage proper tongue motion. Tongue motion is critical for vital day to day body functions in every stage of our lives - from birth to old age. Tongue training is performed as part of a treatment plan for individuals suffering from tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia) or from any other Sub-functional tongue. It is also important for individuals suffering from Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD). ===

The tongue motion role

Our tongue motion, is vital for breastfeeding, chewing and swallowing food, as well as maintaining open airway for breathing, speaking and more. Tongue motion plays a fundamental role by participating in the development of oral and facial structures. Obviously, insufficient tongue motion may cause severe body malfunctions.

The risks of tongue malfunction   

The critical role of the tongue in our body has been long recognized. In recent years this knowledge had been scientifically and clinically proven. One of the main obstacles is that a wide range of tongue malfunctions are not being diagnosed in newborns, resulting in significant consequences in later childhood and adulthood, such as:

• Breastfeeding difficulties
• Palate abnormalities
• Colic
• GI Reflux
• Altered breathing patterns
• Altered sleep patterns resulting in poor sleep quality
• Sleep apnea
• Swallowing difficulties
• Ear infections
• Impaired speech
• Postural issues
• Neck pain
• Dental issues
• TMJ problems    

Protocols   

Along the years, in Europe as well as in the far east, it had been documented that physicians of sorts have performed tongue releases (Frenectomy) in babies. In our modern times the efficacy of these treatments and of complimentary treatments was established in modern researches . Nowadays various protocols exist for diagnosing and treating tongue ties and other tongue malfunctions and their consequences.

The protocol for treating the tongue depends on the caregiver’s profession and on the patient’s age.

Studies show passive and active tongue exercises are required to improve tongue motion as a sub-functional tongued baby or adult learn how to use their tongues properly. Tongue training is an encouragement, or neuromuscular re-education, which also helps strengthen tongue muscle. It is critical for positive prognosis post-frenectomy.

It is now common that when a tongue tie that causes a sub functional tongue is diagnosed, even in infants, the caregiver will recommend performing tongue exercises prior to a referral to a frenectomy as well as after the procedure. This conditions the baby as well as the parent/caretaker and begins to ”fire and wire the muscles to help overall tone and strength” of the tongue.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important for prevention of the possible outcomes of a sub-functional tongue as mentioned above.

Brazil is the first and so far, the only country which legislated a state law requiring a tongue evaluation be done for each newborn as a screening test (“teste da linguinha” under Law 13.002 / 2014).

In addition to the common protocol for tongue training for diagnosed sub-functional tongue, the present development of methods and of tools that enable comfortable, pleasant and effective tongue training, lead caregivers to recommend that each newborn receives a tongue training of two weeks accompanied by professional guidance.   

Caregivers   

Dentists, Orthodontists, Lactation Consultants, Speech & Language Pathologists, Orofacial Myologists, Myofunctional Therapists, Sleep Medicine experts and other physicians.