TONGUE-TIE
Tongue-tie is a birth defect where a baby's tongue is connected to the floor of their mouth by a shorter strip of skin. Normally, this strip of skin separates before birth, allowing for normal tongue movement. However, in cases of tongue-tie, the strip of skin remains attached to the underside of the tongue.
Thankfully, tongue-tie is a common condition that can be easily treated to prevent any negative impacts on a child's development. If left untreated, it can lead to issues such as malnourishment, speech difficulties, or poor 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 medical procedure used to address tongue-tie in infants is known as a frenotomy, a straightforward surgical process. The doctor evaluates the lingual frenulum and then utilizes either sterile scissors or a laser to sever it. Due to the limited number of nerve endings and blood vessels in the lingual frenulum, stitches are typically unnecessary. The procedure is carried out with only a local anesthetic.
For older children and adults with tongue-tie, the frenotomy procedure is similar to that performed on infants. However, it is often done under general anesthesia and may involve the use of stitches. In certain cases, speech therapy may also be recommended.