TONGUE-TIE
Tongue-tie is a congenital condition marked by a shorter strip of skin connecting a baby's tongue to the floor of their mouth. Normally, this strip of skin separates before birth, allowing for unrestricted tongue movement. However, in instances of tongue-tie, the strip of skin remains attached to the underside of the tongue.
The good news is that tongue-tie is a prevalent condition that can be readily treated to prevent any negative impact on a child's development. Nevertheless, if left unaddressed, it can lead to issues such as malnourishment, speech difficulties, or insufficient oral hygiene.
Some signs of tongue-tie include:
- Challenges in breastfeeding arising from restricted tongue movement.
- Difficulty in elevating or moving the tongue horizontally.
- Trouble protruding the tongue.
- When extended, the tongue exhibits either a notched appearance or takes on the shape of a heart.
TONGUE-TIE TREATMENT
The surgical procedure employed to address tongue-tie in infants is termed a frenotomy, which is a straightforward intervention. The physician assesses the lingual frenulum and then employs either sterile scissors or a laser to incise the frenulum. Typically, stitches are unnecessary due to the limited presence of nerve endings or blood vessels in the lingual frenulum. The procedure is conducted using only a local anesthetic.
For older children and adults with tongue-tie, the frenotomy procedure resembles that performed on infants. However, it is usually conducted under general anesthesia and may involve the use of stitches. In certain instances, speech therapy may also be recommended.