TONGUE-TIE

Tongue-tie is a birth defect characterized by a shorter strip of skin connecting a baby's tongue to the floor of their mouth. Typically, this strip of skin separates before birth, enabling normal tongue movement. However, in cases of tongue-tie, the strip of skin remains attached to the underside of the tongue.

Fortunately, tongue-tie is a common condition that can be easily treated to avoid any adverse effects on a child's development. However, if left untreated, it can result in problems like malnourishment, speech difficulties, or inadequate oral hygiene.

Some signs of tongue-tie include:

Difficulty in breastfeeding due to limited tongue movement.
Having trouble raising the tongue or shifting it horizontally
Difficulty sticking the tongue out
When the tongue is extended, it appears either notched or in the shape of a heart.

TONGUE-TIE TREATMENT

The procedure used to treat tongue-tie in infants is called a frenotomy, which is a simple surgical procedure. The doctor examines the lingual frenulum and then uses either sterile scissors or a laser to cut the frenulum. Stitches are typically not needed because there are not many nerve endings or blood vessels in the lingual frenulum. Only a local anesthetic is used during the procedure.

At Lakeview Family Dentistry Hugo, we utilize the DEKA CO2 Laser. This high-tech tool gently releases the frenulum with minimal pain and bleeding. So your little one can enjoy better movement and a faster recovery!

For older children and adults with tongue-tie, frenotomy is similar to the procedure done on infants. However, it is usually performed under general anesthesia and may require stitches. In some cases, speech therapy may also be necessary.