Tongue training is a technique used to encourage proper tongue motion. Tongue training is used to treat individuals suffering from Ankyloglossia (the "tongue tied" medical condition) and other tongue dysfunctions. [1] It is important for individuals suffering from orofacial myological disorders. Tongue training is a method used to teach the correct accent of any language. [2] [3]
Brazil is the only country to have legislated a state law requiring a tongue evaluation to be performed for each newborn as a screening test (“teste da linguine” under Law 13.002 / 2014).
Appropriate motion and strength of the tongue are vital for eating, swallowing, and breathing. Tongue motion plays a fundamental role in the development of oral and facial structures, as insufficient tongue motion may cause many body malfunctions. [4] [5] [6]
Many tongue malfunctions are not diagnosed at the newborn stage, which can have significant consequences in later life, such as: [7] [8] [9] [10]
Historically, in many cultures, physicians have performed tongue releases for babies with significant benefits. [11] [12] [13] [14] Various protocols exist for diagnosing and treating tongue malfunctions.
The protocol depends on the caregiver's profession and the patient's age. [1] [14]
Studies show that passive and active tongue exercises are required to improve tongue motion. Tongue training is an encouragement or neuromuscular re-education, which helps strengthen tongue muscle. This is critical for a positive prognosis post-frenectomy. [9] [8] [1]
It is now standard that when a sub-functional tongue is diagnosed, even in infants, the caregiver recommends tongue exercises, before a referral for a frenectomy, as well as after the procedure. This conditions the baby and the parent/caretaker, and begins to "fire and wire the muscles to help overall tone and strength” of the tongue. [9]
In addition to the standard tongue training protocol for a diagnosed sub-functional tongue using methods and tools enable comfortable, pleasant and practical tongue training, lead caregivers recommend that each newborn receive a tongue training of two weeks accompanied by professional guidance.[ citation needed ]