Speech problem corrected with dental visit

Contact: LaDawn Brock, 214-828-8214

DALLAS - Feb. 9, 2009 - It may surprise some to know that a common birth defect that affects speech can be cured in one short dental visit. Children whose frenulum, a thin band of tissue beneath the tongue, is attached too high usually have a difficult time pronouncing words.  It's a common problem often called "tongue-tie," and it is usually noticed in infancy.

Dentists can easily cure the tongue-tied problem once it's been identified.  Many dentists use a laser to release the frenulum. The procedure takes a few minutes and the patient is comfortable within a few hours.

"Parents should take notice if the child has trouble with consonants that require the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth, or if they can't stick out their tongue, or touch their upper lip," said Dr. Charles Wakefield, professor and director of the advanced education in general dentistry residency program at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry. "If you notice any of these signs, ask your dentist about an oral examination and recommendations for treatment."

Founded in 1905, Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas is a college of the Texas A&M Health Science Center. HSC-BCD is a nationally recognized center for oral health sciences education, research, specialized patient care and continuing dental education. The HSC serves the state as a distributed, statewide health science center that is present in communities throughout Texas.