Tongue flapping is a speech and language therapy technique used to encourage better articulation in children with difficulties pronouncing some sounds. It involves a rapid repetition of a particular word or sound and requires the child to use their tongue to make the correct sounds and shape their mouth to help pronounce it accurately.
The repetition helps the child to familiarise themselves with the correct articulations and form habits that will help when speaking. This can help significantly reduce language production errors and improve articulation.
It is usually used in conjunction with other techniques such as mirroring and auditory bombardment to help the child build good pronunciation habits more quickly.
What are the different types of tongue flaps?
Tongue flaps, also known as tongue furls, tongue rolls, or tongue-rolling fricatives, are a type of speech sound produced by pushing air out of the mouth with the tongue and curling it back to create a flap.
There are four major types of tongue flaps: palatal flaps, alveolar flaps, lateral flaps, and labiodental flaps.
Palatal flaps are produced by bringing the tongue up to the roof of the mouth, pressing it against the back of the teeth and curling it back so that its tip flips against the back of the upper jaw. Examples of palatal flap sounds are the “r” in Spanish or the “dž” in Croatian.
Alveolar flaps are produced by pressing the tongue tip against the alveolar ridge, just behind the upper front teeth, and curling it back. An example of an alveolar flap sound is the “d” in the middle of English “ladder”.
Lateral flaps are produced by pressing the sides of the tongue against the sides of the tooth ridge, situated just behind the upper front teeth, while curling the tongue back. The “l” in English is an example of a lateral flap.
Labiodental flaps are produced by pushing the bottom tip of the tongue out and then curling it back against the front teeth. The “v” sound in English is an example of a labiodental flap.
What flaps are used for tongue reconstruction?
Flaps used for tongue reconstruction are typically based on a nearby source of tissue and are known as pedicle flaps. This involves detaching a strip of tissue adjacent to the tongue and repositioning it to reconstruct a functional tongue.
Alternately, free flaps may also be used, which involve cutting a piece of skin or tissue from another area of the body and transferring it to the tongue. Common areas used for free flaps include the deltoid muscle in the arm and the abdominal wall.
The flap is then secured with sutures, allowing it to heal onto the area that needs reconstruction. Free flaps are generally more suggested due to their improved healing and cosmetic results, as well as their adaptability for larger reconstructions.
Ultimately, the method of flap used is determined by the extent of reconstruction needed and the patient’s overall health.
What is a free flap vs local flap?
A free flap and a local flap are types of flap reconstruction that are used as a reconstructive technique for surgical wounds. Free flaps are taken from a distant part of the body, such as the thigh or lower leg, where the skin flap is released from its anatomical attachments, leaving the blood vessels intact.
A small portion of tissue, containing the skin and the underlying muscle, is then re-attached to the new wound site. This technique enables surgeons to transfer a larger tissue mass and also provide long-term stability to the new tissue repair.
Local flaps, on the other hand, are flap reconstruction techniques that use existing skin and tissue from the same area to cover the wound. When surgeons use local flaps, they are usually harvesting skin and tissue from adjacent sections of the original wound site.
This technique allows the use of smaller amounts of tissue and can provide less of an ideal aesthetic outcome. Local flaps are typically used in situations where free flaps are not an option, such as when the tissue donor site is too far away or not of adequate size to cover the repair site.
What are the two flaps under my tongue?
The two flaps under your tongue are known as the lingual frenula. They are small folds of mucous membrane that attach your tongue to the floor of your mouth. They are also sometimes referred to as “tongue-ties” or “frenulums.
” They extend from the underside of your tongue to the floor of your mouth and can sometimes stretch up to your gum-line. The primary purpose of the lingual frenula is to help stabilize the tongue and prevent it from sliding too far back into the throat.
They also aid in the mastication (chewing) of food, as well as in the formation of certain sounds of speech. Despite their importance, some people may have greater lengthening or shortening of their frenula, or even be born without them.
This can lead to speech impediments, as well as difficulties with breastfeeding. If someone is having significant problems related to their oral anatomy, consulting a speech therapist or an ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialist may help.
How do you do the tongue flap?
The tongue flap is a speech sound production technique used to improve articulation in people with certain types of speech sound disorders. The tongue flap involves producing a light contact between the blade (front) of the tongue and the roof of the mouth.
This contact is made in the vicinity of the target speech sound and is maintained while the air is continuously released from the lungs. The air flow causes a flapping vibration of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, called a “tongue flap.
” Practice sessions using the tongue flap as practice for the production of the target sound can be used as part of a comprehensive speech sound disorder treatment program with a speech-language pathologist.
During a practice session, the SLP will model the desired sound and the client will practice producing the sound on their own using the tongue flap technique. It is important for the SLP to provide feedback on vocal quality and proper technique throughout the session.
Regular practice sessions can help to improve articulation and correct certain types of speech sound disorders.
Can tongue ties go away on their own?
No, tongue ties do not go away on their own. Tongue ties, or ankyloglossia, are congenital (meaning present at birth) conditions meaning they cannot be remedied with changes in diet, habits, or lifestyle.
If recognized early, a tongue tie can be corrected with a relatively simple procedure. Including restriction of full tongue mobility which can interfere with a child’s ability to latch fully onto the breast properly causing painful nursing, speech impediments, and increased risk of dental problems like misaligned teeth and bite issues.
For adults, a tongue tie can also cause difficulty eating, speaking, breathing, and managing oral hygiene resulting in headaches and other medical issues. Even in cases where some of the ailments are not present, a tongue tie can still be a source of frustration.
The good news, however, is that a simple procedure can correct the tongue tie, allowing those affected to enjoy full tongue mobility and the freedom it provides.
How rare is it to have your tongue tied to your mouth?
It is quite rare to have your tongue tied to your mouth. Although it is not impossible, it is very unlikely due to the fact that the tissue that holds the tongue in place is mostly made up of elastic and connective tissue, and is connected to the floor of the mouth.
In order for the tongue to be tied to the mouth, all of these tissues would have to be fused together, which is very rare. The condition is known as ankyloglossia, and it is most often caused by a congenital defect.
In some rare cases, traumatic injuries or surgery can lead to ankyloglossia. If a person experiences severe trauma to the head or neck, or has a complication from surgery, such as a neck or brain tumor, it is possible for the tissue holding the tongue to the mouth to be damaged and/or fused together.
If a person does have ankyloglossia, it can be corrected through a minor surgical procedure which involves cutting the tissue that holds the tongue in place. This procedure is relatively safe, and the person should be able to speak and eat normally afterwards.
In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the tongue.
Overall, having your tongue tied to your mouth is quite rare due to the delicate tissue that holds the tongue in place, and can be corrected with a minor surgical procedure.
What does tongue dysplasia look like?
Tongue dysplasia is a condition that affects the tongue, causing it to be abnormally shaped. It can have a wide range of effects from minor changes in appearance to more serious impacts on speech and swallowing.
The most common signs of tongue dysplasia are enlargement, changes in color and texture of the tissue, and changes in the shape of the tongue, including cleft or fissured tongues.
In some cases, the tongue may become excessively thickened, leading to issues speaking and swallowing. This can also cause tongue protrusion and mouth breathing. The texture of the tongue may become a bumpy surface and the color may become pale pink or white.
Additionally, there may be a lump on the tongue that can cause pain when touched.
In more severe cases, native tongue movements can be decreased and the tongue may become immobile. Some patients may experience difficulty sticking out their tongues and difficulty raising their tongue tips.
People with tongue dysplasia may also experience difficulty with articulation of certain sounds.
If you see any of these changes in your tongue, it is important to make an appointment with an ENT doctor or an otolaryngologist. The doctor will be able to look at your tongue and may take a biopsy of the tongue in order to determine if it is consistent with tongue dysplasia.
Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may involve speech and physical therapy to help improve tongue function and speech.
Why does my tongue move by itself?
Your tongue is a muscular organ that is connected to your jawbone and throat. Because of its size and location, it is able to move around in your mouth with relative ease. While it can appear to “move by itself,” it is actually being controlled by different sets of muscles throughout your body.
The action is called “tongue mobility,” and it happens whenever you swallow, talk, or move your tongue around in your mouth. This action is necessary to help break down food, direct saliva, and aid in the production of speech.
Certain medical conditions, such as dementia, may lead to an involuntary tongue movement, but in most cases, the tongue moves in response to conscious commands from the body.
How can I stop my tongue from twitching?
While tongue twitching can be an unpleasant sensation, it is usually harmless and often dissipates on its own. However, if your tongue twitching is persistent and impacting your daily activities, there are a few steps you can take to help stop it.
First, it’s important to identify potential causes for the twitching, such as vitamin deficiencies, stress, caffeine, or smoking. Vitamin deficiencies, such as lack of B vitamins, can cause facial and tongue twitching, and may be helped with over-the-counter supplements.
Additionally, reducing stress, eliminating caffeine and smoking, and drinking plenty of water can help to reduce your symptoms.
Second, it may be helpful to speak with your doctor. Depending on the cause of your tongue twitching, your doctor may recommend an anti-anxiety medication or muscle relaxant medication to help reduce the twitching.
Your doctor may also refer you to a speech therapist to help retrain and desensitize the particular muscles in your tongue.
Finally, consider making lifestyle changes that may help reduce the twitching. Adjusting your posture, practicing relaxation techniques, and avoiding mouth-related activities such as chewing gum can all help reduce twitching.
Additionally, increasing your overall physical and mental health can help reduce stress, improve your sleep, and ease your symptoms.
Why can’t the tongue stay still?
The tongue is a complex muscle that is always in motion. It is constantly moving, even when we are not consciously trying to move it. This is because many of the actions that involve the tongue, such as swallowing and talking, are automatic and involve muscles and nerves working together.
There are a number of factors that help explain why the tongue can’t stay still.
First, the tongue is very flexible and able to move in multiple directions, which means it is always in motion. The tongue has intrinsic muscles and extrinsic muscles attached to it; both sets of muscles work together to facilitate various activities.
For instance, when someone is speaking, the intrinsic muscles help to shape the sound of their speech, and the extrinsic ones help with placement and movement. Additionally, the nerves in the tongue provide signals to the muscles and other parts of the body, such as the throat, to help initiate the activity.
Second, the tongue has a number of functions, including helping with taste, eating, and drinking. All of these activities involve the tongue moving in different ways and directions. The tongue is an important tool for breathing, speaking, and swallowing as well, and these require the tongue to move rapidly.
Even when we are not actively using the tongue, it is still being used automatically, such as when we swallow. This explains why the tongue can’t stay still.
Finally, the constant movement of the tongue helps keep it healthy by increasing saliva production, which helps keep the mouth moist. This is important for preventing dry mouth and dental issues like tooth decay.
Overall, the tongue is constantly in motion due to its complex anatomy and the many functions it serves. Without the tongue’s ability to move quickly and accurately, our ability to taste, eat, drink, and talk would be drastically reduced.
Can anxiety cause tongue twitching?
Yes, anxiety can cause tongue twitching. It is a common symptom of anxiety because the cause of the twitching is often related to tension and stress. The tongue is made up of a large number of muscles that are connected to the mouth and jaw.
If a person is feeling anxious, the muscles tend to tighten and often cause tongue twitching.
Tongue twitching can also be caused by a nutritional deficiency, physical trauma, or a neurological disorder. It could also be a result of postural problems such as grinding teeth, poor posture, or strained muscles in the neck or jaw.
If the twitching is persistent, uncomfortable, or bothersome, it is important to schedule an appointment with a doctor to get further tests and possible treatment. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to help reduce anxiety.
In other cases, they may recommend other therapies such as counseling, meditation, and yoga to help cope with the anxiety.
Why can’t I control my tongue?
One of the biggest difficulties in life is learning how to control our tongues. Despite our best intentions, it can be incredibly difficult to stop ourselves from saying things we shouldn’t or expressing ourselves in ways that can be hurtful or damaging to ourselves and others.
This is because humans are complex creatures and our emotions, thoughts, and reactions to situations can often get the better of us.
Your inability to control your tongue is likely the result of a combination of factors, including your own feelings and experiences, as well as external influences. For example, if you are in a stressful situation, it can be difficult to manage your emotions and think through the consequences of your words.
Additionally, if you have grown up in a family or community with heavy criticism, it can be harder to express yourself in a positive and productive way rather than lashing out. Other influences such as poor self-esteem, lack of assertiveness, or difficulty in understanding your own feelings and emotions can also contribute to a lack of tongue control.
Fortunately, although it can be difficult, it is definitely possible to learn how to control your tongue. Start by taking a step back to pause and consider your emotions before you speak. Think about what you are feeling and how those feelings can dictate the words that come out of your mouth.
Also, it is important to practice being mindful and assertive. This includes politely and confidently expressing your own thoughts and opinions while being open to hearing the views of others. You can also practice using positive self-talk and affirmations to help you remain patient and level-headed to prevent yourself from reacting impulsively and unleashing words you might regret later.
Regular mindfulness practice can also help you stay in the present moment, better regulating your own emotions so that you can more easily control your tongue.
What is mind tongue syndrome?
Mind tongue syndrome, also known as foreign accent syndrome, is a rare condition in which a person suddenly appears to have a different accent that is not native to their country. It is believed that this is caused by a brain injury or stroke that affects the language processing centers in the brain.
Symptoms include speaking with an accent that sounds like it is from another country, incorrect use of stress and intonation, difficulty remembering vocabulary, pronouns and syntax, difficulty with finding the right words, and mispronunciation.
This condition is not life-threatening and has no known cure, however speech therapy can often help to reduce the effects and improve a person’s speech.