TONGUE-TIE
Tongue-tie is a congenital condition marked by a shorter band of skin that connects a baby's tongue to the floor of their mouth. Normally, this band of skin separates before birth, allowing for unrestricted tongue movement. However, in cases of tongue-tie, this band of skin remains attached to the underside of the tongue.
Thankfully, tongue-tie is a prevalent condition that can be effectively addressed to prevent any negative impact on a child's development. If left untreated, however, it may lead to issues such as malnourishment, difficulties in speech, or challenges in maintaining proper 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 employed to address tongue-tie in infants is known as a frenotomy, a straightforward surgical intervention. The doctor examines the lingual frenulum and then employs either sterile scissors or a laser to cut the frenulum. Stitches are typically unnecessary due to the limited presence of nerve endings or blood vessels in the lingual frenulum. The procedure is carried out with the use of only a local anesthetic.
For older children and adults with tongue-tie, the frenotomy procedure is akin to that performed on infants. However, it is typically conducted under general anesthesia and may involve the use of stitches. In some instances, speech therapy may also be recommended.