TONGUE-TIE
Tongue-tie is a condition that occurs at birth when a baby has a shorter strip of skin connecting their tongue to the floor of their mouth. Normally, this strip of skin separates before birth, allowing the tongue to move freely. However, in cases of tongue-tie, the strip of skin remains attached to the underside of the tongue.
The good news is that tongue-tie is a common condition that can be easily treated to prevent any negative effects on a child's development. However, if left untreated, it can lead to problems such as difficulty with feeding, speech, or maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Some signs of tongue-tie include:
- Challenges in breastfeeding due to limited tongue mobility.
- Inability to elevate or move the tongue horizontally.
- Difficulty in protruding the tongue.
- Tongue appears notched or heart-shaped when extended.
TONGUE-TIE TREATMENT
The surgical procedure used to treat tongue-tie in infants is called a frenotomy. It is a simple intervention where the doctor examines the lingual frenulum and then cuts it using either sterile scissors or a laser. Stitches are usually not needed because there are few nerve endings or blood vessels in the lingual frenulum. The procedure is done with a local anesthetic.
For older children and adults with tongue-tie, the frenotomy procedure is similar to that done on infants. However, it is usually done under general anesthesia and may involve the use of stitches. In some cases, speech therapy may also be recommended.