What is Tongue Tie? Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth that restricts the movement of the tongue due to an abnormally short, thick, or tight lingual frenulum (the membrane connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth). It can vary in severity from mild to severe cases.
How Common is Tongue Tie? Tongue tie occurs in approximately 4% to 10.7% of newborns, although it's thought to be underdiagnosed. Both males and females can be affected, but studies have shown a slightly higher prevalence among males.
Symptoms & Diagnosing Tongue Tie Diagnosing tongue tie typically involves a physical examination where healthcare providers look for specific signs such as:
- The tip of the tongue cannot extend past the lower teeth when trying to lift it up
- A noticeable notch or heart-shape at the tip of the tongue when extended
- Inability to touch the roof, upper gums, or upper lip with the tip of the tongue
How Tongue Tie Affects Feeding In newborns and infants, tongue tie can interfere with breast or bottle feeding. Infants may have difficulty latching on to the breast properly, leading to ineffective milk transfer and potential issues such as low weight gain or maternal nipple pain.
Treatment Options Treatment for tongue tie ranges from watching and waiting to more intervention-focused approaches:
- Observation: Mild cases may not require any treatment, especially if they are not causing feeding difficulties or other difficulties.
- Frenotomy/Frenuloplasty: This procedure involves snipping the frenulum to release the restriction on tongue movement. It is usually performed under local anesthesia and can be done in a doctor's office.
Aftercare & Recovery Post-procedure, gentle care is essential for proper healing:
- Gentle stretching exercises may be recommended.
- Follow-ups to ensure the baby can move their tongue normally after the procedure.
Conclusion: Tongue tie is a manageable condition that, when treated appropriately, allows babies and parents a smoother feeding journey. If you suspect your newborn may have tongue tie, consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice.
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