TONGUE-TIE
Tongue-tie is a congenital anomaly marked by a shorter section of skin that connects a baby's tongue to the bottom of their mouth. Ordinarily, this piece of skin naturally separates before birth, facilitating regular tongue mobility. Nevertheless, in instances of tongue-tie, the skin strip persists, remaining attached beneath the tongue.
Luckily, tongue-tie is a prevalent condition that can be readily addressed to prevent any negative impact on a child's growth. However, if left unaddressed, it may lead to issues such as undernourishment, speech impediments, or insufficient oral hygiene.
Indications of tongue-tie encompass:
- Challenges in breastfeeding due to restricted tongue motion.
- Difficulty in elevating or moving the tongue horizontally.
- Trouble protruding the tongue.
- When extended, the tongue may exhibit a notched appearance or take on the shape of a heart.
TONGUE-TIE TREATMENT
The method employed to address tongue-tie in infants is known as a frenotomy, a straightforward surgical procedure. The physician assesses the lingual frenulum and employs either sterile scissors or a laser to incise the frenulum. Typically, stitches are unnecessary due to the limited presence of nerve endings and blood vessels in the lingual frenulum. The procedure is carried out with the use of only a local anesthetic.
For older children and adults dealing with tongue-tie, the frenotomy procedure resembles that performed on infants. However, it is commonly conducted under general anesthesia and may involve the application of stitches. Additionally, in certain instances, speech therapy may be recommended.