You’re probably familiar with the phrase “getting tongue tied,” which refers to feeling too shy or embarrassed to speak. But for 8-year-old Mason Motz in Texas, he’s feeling anything but shy.
What is Tongue-Tie?
According to an article from Inside Edition, Mason spent the first five years of his life unable to speak a word. His condition was initially thought to be a result of Sotos syndrome, a disorder characterized by excessive facial growth that may delay certain abilities.
A dentist specializing in children and special needs patients later determined that Mason’s speech issues were related to ankyloglossia, also known as a “tongue-tie.” This condition occurs when an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue tethers the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth, restricting its range of motion.
Treatment and Results
After a non-invasive laser treatment to release the tongue-tie, Mason’s struggles disappeared or became much more manageable immediately.
Signs Your Child May Have Tongue-Tie
The dentist noted common signs of tongue-tie in children, including:
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Picky eating habits
- Speech issues
- Unexplained cavities
- Sleep problems
- Facial structure issues, such as closely spaced baby teeth
Next Steps
If your child shows any of these symptoms, contact your dentist promptly. They can refer you to a specialist to determine if ankyloglossia is the cause and discuss treatment options.