Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition that affects a baby’s tongue movement. It occurs when the frenulum, a small piece of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is unusually short or tight. This restricts the tongue’s range of motion, which can impact a baby’s ability to breastfeed or bottle-feed effectively.

Understanding Tongue Tie Severity

Tongue tie can vary in severity. In some cases, the frenulum may be only slightly tight, with minimal impact on the tongue’s movement. These mild cases may not cause any problems and often resolve on their own as the baby grows. However, more severe tongue tie can significantly restrict the tongue’s movement, making it difficult for the baby to latch onto the breast or bottle and transfer milk efficiently.

Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie in Babies

If you’re concerned your baby might have tongue tie, here are some signs and symptoms to watch for:

• Difficulty latching or staying latched onto the breast or bottle
• Clicking sounds while breastfeeding
• Fussy or frustrated behaviour during feeding
• Poor weight gain
• Visible signs of a tight frenulum, such as a heart-shaped tongue when sticking it out

Does My Baby Need Treatment for Tongue Tie?

Not all babies with Tongue Tie require treatment. If your baby is latching well, feeding effectively, and gaining weight appropriately, then intervention may not be necessary. However, if tongue tie is causing difficulty with feeding or impacting your baby’s weight gain, a healthcare professional can assess the severity and recommend treatment options.

Treatment Options for Tongue Tie

The most common treatment for tongue tie is a frenotomy, a simple procedure performed by a healthcare professional like a doctor, dentist, or lactation consultant. During a frenotomy, the frenulum is gently clipped using sterilized scissors to release the tightness and improve the tongue’s mobility. This procedure is usually painless and can be done in the doctor’s office or during a breastfeeding session.

Post-Frenotomy Care

Following a frenotomy, it’s important to encourage frequent breastfeeding or bottle-feeding sessions to help stretch the frenulum and maintain its mobility. A lactation consultant can provide guidance on proper positioning and latch techniques to optimize feeding after a frenotomy.

Other Considerations for Tongue Tie

Tongue tie can also affect speech development later in childhood. If you notice your child has difficulty speaking clearly or pronouncing certain sounds, consult a healthcare professional to determine if tongue tie might be a contributing factor. In some cases, speech therapy may be recommended to help improve speech development.

Tongue Tie: A Collaborative Approach

If you suspect your baby might have tongue tie, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your doctor or a healthcare professional experienced in infant feeding. They can assess your baby, determine the severity of tongue tie, and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Working collaboratively with your doctor, a lactation consultant, and other healthcare professionals can ensure your baby receives the best possible care and support.

Conclusion

Tongue tie is a relatively common condition in babies. While it doesn’t always cause problems, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. If you have any concerns about your baby’s feeding or tongue movement, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Early diagnosis and intervention can help ensure your baby receives the nourishment they need to thrive.

Town Hall Dental cares about the well-being of mothers and babies. If you have questions or concerns about tongue tie, please don’t hesitate to contact our practice for a consultation.

We encourage you to leave a comment below if you have any questions or experiences related to tongue tie in babies.