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Should dentists be treating speech problems?

A 2024 study reveals 87.9% of "concerning" speech patterns in children with tongue-tie were normal developmental variations, with no improvements after release procedures.

Inside this issue, we break down your role in speech cases and how to build effective referral partnerships with speech-language pathologists.

In Today’s Edition:

• Tongue-Ties, Speech and DSM

• CE Opportunities / Events

5-minute read👇

Clinical Corner

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Key Takeaways🔑

What Dental Professionals Need to Know About Tongue-Ties and Speech.

Most dental professionals regularly see patients with tongue-tie. Parents often worry about how it might affect their child's speech. New research helps us understand what we should and shouldn't say about tongue-tie's effects.

What Recent Research Tells Us

Let's start with what we know for sure. A major 2024 study looked at children before and after tongue-tie release. The results surprised many people. Almost 88% of speech patterns that worried parents were actually normal for the child's age. After the procedure, researchers found no real improvement in how clearly children spoke.

Working With Speech Experts

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are the experts in assessing speech. Think of it like this: dentists can spot tongue-tie during an exam, just like we spot cavities. But judging speech development is like reading a brain scan - it needs a specialist's expertise.

When parents worry about speech, our job is simple. We should connect them with an SLP for proper evaluation. This partnership ensures families get the right care from the right expert.

What to Tell Patients

Parents often ask if fixing tongue-tie will help their child's speech. Here's what we can say:

• Current research doesn't show speech improvements after tongue-tie release

• Most speech patterns in young children are normal, even if they sound concerning

• A speech evaluation by an SLP can determine if there's really a problem

Real Concerns About Tongue-Tie

While we can't promise better speech, new research has found other important effects of tongue-tie. A 2024 study shows children with tongue-tie are three times more likely to have breathing problems during sleep. They're also more likely to develop a high-arched palate, which can affect how their mouth develops.

Making Good Decisions

Every patient needs the right care from the right professional. As dentists, we spot tongue-tie and explain what the research shows. Then we guide patients to the specialists who can help with their specific concerns.

This approach works best because:

• Patients get accurate information

• Each professional sticks to their expertise

• Families receive proper care for their concerns

Bottom Line

Our role is clear: identify tongue-tie, share what research tells us, and connect patients with the right specialists. This straightforward approach helps us serve our patients better while staying within our expertise.

Remember, good dental care often means knowing when to partner with other health professionals. Together, we can ensure each patient gets the care they truly need.

Melong J, Bezuhly M, Hong P. The Effect of Tongue-Tie Release on Speech Articulation and Intelligibility. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. 2024;103(7):NP450-NP454. doi:10.1177/01455613211064045

Camañes-Gonzalvo, S., Montiel-Company, J.M., Paredes-Gallardo, V. et al. Relationship of ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnea: systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Breath 28, 1067–1078 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-024-03021-4

O’Connor, M.E., Gilliland, A.M. & LeFort, Y. Complications and misdiagnoses associated with infant frenotomy: results of a healthcare professional survey. Int Breastfeed J 17, 39 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-022-00481-w

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