The TongueGym™ by Liper is the first product created for an at-home simple and effective way of doing tongue exercises for newborns and adults. performing tongue strengthening and conditioning exercises, helping users of all ages (including Adults) to maximize their exercise regimen. The ergonomic design makes tongue exercises easier, also more hygienic, comfortable, and efficient, encouraging the user to complete the entire exercise regimen. 

NEUROMUSCULAR RE-EDUCATION 

No matter the degree of tongue -tie severity, the TongueGym™ by Liper comes in handy. In many cases, proper tongue exercises with the TongueGym™ can be used pre and post operatively when there is a need for frenotomy (a.k.a. frenulotomy or frenulectomy). Postoperative Active Wound Management (AWM) with the TongueGym™ has been shown to improve post- surgical outcome; therefore helping ensure normal tongue flexibility and functioning while preventing frenulum reattachment and/or scarring.

The TongueGym™ by Liper can also be used with toddlers and young children who are receiving pre and post op frenectomy therapy. The speech-language pathologist and /or registered dental hygienist trained in pediatric feeding and/or myofunctional therapy (COM™) can use this tool as a part of their AWM program. For example, the “V-Stretch” which is described and demonstrated in our TOTs course using the TongueGym™. 

WHAT IS ANKYLOGLOSSIA?

Ankyloglossia or tongue- tie, happens when the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth by an unusually short or thick lingual frenulum. This is one aspect of Tethered Oral Tissue(s) (TOTs). Frenula restriction may also be found in the maxillary and mandibular labial frena and/or the maxillary or mandibular buccal frena. In many cases of ankyloglossia, frenotomy is performed to surgically incise or remove the abnormal membrane. This can be done by a dentist, oral surgeon or otolaryngologist via laser or scalpel procedure.

Breastfeeding and beyond

Breastfeeding is clearly on the rise as recommended by the World Health Organization. Tongue-tie restricts the tongue from extending and elevating, impairing the baby’s ability to remove milk from the breast. Oftentimes, women who breastfeed tongue tied babies experience excessive pain and sores on the breast. They may be led to change to bottle feeding, and at TalkTools one of our goals in TOTs education is to support the breastfeeding dyad between the mother and child, with interventional support with an IBCLC.

Functional diagnosis of ankyloglossia is sometimes very difficult to perform. That said, in many studies, impaired breastfeeding has been shown as associated with psychological, social and numerous physical implications. Missing the diagnosis of tongue-tie can be associated with: articulation difficulties, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), SIDS, airway dysfunction, food allergies, dental & facial developmental anomalies, palate abnormalities and myofunctional disorders.   The TongueGym™ by Liper can assist with assessment, therefore identifying the tongue- tie, and help the breastfeeding dyad move towards the proper medical referral.

To learn more about Tethered Oral Tissue be sure to check out our New Course and New Book Functional Assessment and Remediation of TOTS by Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP and Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, CLC! 

Adult Usage

It’s never too late to make tongue exercises and conditioning a regular part of your daily routine. Users around the world have discovered the benefits of TongueGym™, the world’s first at-home and on-the-go tongue exercise product.

Conventional finger techniques of performing tongue exercise are less than ideal, and have led many to abandon their routines and give up on the dream of a living a healthier life, filled with greater wellbeing. Now, thanks to the TongueGym™, adults who wish to add tongue conditioning and exercises into their daily routine, can do so with a product that is not only simple and affordable, but also portable (take it to the office or at home), easy to use and comfortable.