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Seeking Guidance on Tongue Mobility Issues

3/18/2025, 3:10:30 AMMale25-34

Greetings everyone! I am a 24-year-old male dealing with difficulties in tongue movement and pronunciation. Specifically, I struggle to roll my tongue, move it sideways, or touch my palate or upper lip. The only motion I can manage is sticking my tongue out just enough to reach my lip. Recently, just two weeks ago, I underwent a tongue tie release surgery; however, I haven’t noticed any improvement and my tongue seems to be in the same state as before the procedure. I would greatly appreciate advice from medical professionals or connections with others facing similar issues. Thank you in advance for your help! P.S. Please pardon any language errors as English is my third language; I hope my message conveys my situation clearly.

Childhood InfectionsChild PsychologyDevelopmental Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

3/18/2025, 3:10:50 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing ongoing challenges with tongue mobility even after your recent tongue tie release surgery. This is understandably concerning, especially since you were hoping for improvement. Let’s break down what might be happening and explore some actionable steps you can take.

Key Points:

  1. Ongoing Tongue Mobility Issues: Difficulty with movements such as rolling your tongue and lateral movement may still be related to the surgery or other factors impacting muscle function.
  2. Post-Surgery Recovery: It can take time for full mobility to return after a tongue tie release, and additional therapies may be necessary.

Explanation:

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, can restrict tongue movement, affecting not only speech but also activities like eating and oral hygiene. Although surgery helps to release the tie, full recovery involves strengthening and retraining the tongue’s movements. Your current challenges may still be related to muscle tension, healing tissue, or the need for specific exercises to enhance mobility.

Next Steps:

  1. Gentle Tongue Exercises: Start with simple exercises daily to encourage mobility:

    • Sticking out your tongue: Extend your tongue as far as you can for 5-10 seconds, and then relax. Repeat several times.
    • Side-to-side and up-and-down movements: Try moving your tongue side to side and up toward your palate, even if it feels limited at first.
    • Use a mirror: Watching your tongue in a mirror can help with coordination and goal-setting for movements.
  2. Hydration and Oral Hygiene: Maintain good hydration and oral hygiene. Dry mouth can limit tongue movement, so drinking enough fluids is crucial.

  3. Speech Therapy Consultation: Consider seeking help from a speech therapist who specializes in oral motor skills. They can provide tailored exercises and techniques designed to improve your tongue mobility and coordination.

  4. Monitor Progress: Keep track of any changes in movement ability and comfort over the next few weeks. Note any specific exercises that feel beneficial.

  5. Patience and Gentle Care: Understand that healing and regaining mobility is often a gradual process, so give yourself time and be patient with the improvement.

If you have further questions or need more tailored guidance based on how things progress, feel free to ask!

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