Known also as ankyloglossia, tongue tie occurs when the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the mouth floor (lingual frenulum) is too short, tight, or thick, limiting tongue movement and function. Despite the fact that tongue tie affects people of all ages, infants and children are more likely to be affected. It can cause a variety of problems, including difficulty breastfeeding, speech, oral hygiene, eating, and swallowing. Tongue tie can cause no noticeable symptoms in some cases and may resolve on its own with time. However, in other cases, tongue tie may require treatment, such as surgery or therapy, to improve the tongue's mobility.
You may have heard about direct primary care (DPC), a new approach to health care that offers patients personalized, accessible, and affordable care. The difference between DPC and traditional fee-for-service and insurance-based health care is that you pay your doctor a monthly fee, and you get unlimited access to primary care services, including visits, consultations, tests, and procedures, with no co-pays, deductibles, or hidden costs. In addition to providing a direct and ongoing relationship with your doctor, who knows you and your health history well, and who can coordinate your care with other specialists if necessary, DPC allows you to have a direct and ongoing relationship with your doctor.
The main advantage of DPC for tongue tie patients is that it can provide timely and accurate diagnosis of tongue tie and its complications. Tongue tie is usually diagnosed by a physical examination of the tongue’s appearance and movement, but sometimes additional tests, such as a screening tool or a culture, are needed to confirm its existence and rule out other conditions, such as candida infection or oral cancer. In addition to offering these tests and examinations, DPC can help you monitor your tongue tie and its impact on your oral health over time, and alert you of any changes or signs of trouble.
Patients with tongue tie will also benefit from DPC because it can offer a variety of treatment options and help you choose the right one. Depending on the severity and symptoms of tongue tie, treatment may differ. Some patients may not require treatment at all, while others may require surgery or therapy. Surgery for tongue tie involves cutting or removing the lingual frenulum to allow the tongue to move freely. Surgery for tongue tie varies in complexity and invasiveness, including frenotomy and frenuloplasty. Therapy for tongue tie involves exercises or techniques to improve the tongue's function and coordination, such as speech and language therapy and lactation support. You can receive these treatment options from DPC at your doctor's office or from a trusted specialist if needed. Additionally, DPC can help you prepare for the treatment, explain the risks and benefits, and guide you through recovery.
DPC can offer many benefits for tongue tie patients, such as:
As your doctor is trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating tongue tie and its complications, DPC can provide high-quality care to tongue tie patients. The best practices and guidelines for tongue tie management can also be followed by your doctor, who will use the latest technology and equipment to perform tongue tie tests and procedures.
Your doctor can tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and preferences, because he or she knows you well and your health history well. As well as taking into account your lifestyle, goals, and expectations, your doctor can help you achieve the best results for your tongue tie.
You can reach your doctor at any time, anywhere with DPC's phone, text, email, or video chat, so that tongue tie patients can receive accessible care. In addition, you can schedule your doctor's appointments at your convenience, without any hassle or delay. Additionally, your medical records and test results can be accessed online, and you can easily communicate with your doctor and other healthcare providers.
You don't have to worry about co-pays, deductibles, or hidden fees with DPC, as you pay a monthly fee to your doctor and get unlimited access to primary care services. In addition to saving money on tests, procedures, medications, and referrals, your doctor can negotiate on your behalf with other providers or offer them at discounted prices. Additionally, your doctor can help you make informed decisions about your tongue tie, so you can avoid unnecessary or expensive treatments.
If you are interested in DPC for your tongue tie management, here are some steps you can take to get started:
Search for DPC doctors near you online, or ask your friends, family, or other health care providers for recommendations. You can also visit the websites of DPC organizations, such as the American Academy of Family Physicians or the Direct Primary Care Alliance, to find a DPC doctor that fits your needs and preferences.
Ask your DPC doctor about their services, fees, and availability by phone, email, or online. To get to know your DPC doctor and determine if you are comfortable with them and their practice, you can request a consultation or a trial visit.
If you join DPC, you will be required to sign a membership agreement with your DPC doctor and pay a monthly fee. You may cancel your membership at any time without penalty.
When you become a member of DPC, you can benefit from quality, personalized, accessible, and affordable tongue tie management. In addition, you can give your DPC doctor feedback and suggestions so they can improve your and other tongue tie patients' treatment and service.
In order to manage tongue tie, you or your child may want to consider direct primary care (DPC) as a better way to manage it. Tongue tie can affect your quality of life and oral health. With DPC, you will receive quality, personalized, accessible, and affordable tongue tie treatment, and you will be able to choose the best treatment option for your situation. You and your family can also benefit from DPC by building a direct, ongoing relationship with your doctor.
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
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