TONGUE-TIE
Tongue-tie is a congenital condition occurring at birth, wherein a baby has a shorter strip of skin connecting their tongue to the floor of their mouth. Typically, this strip of skin separates before birth, allowing the tongue unrestricted movement. However, in cases of tongue-tie, the strip of skin remains attached to the underside of the tongue.
The positive aspect is that tongue-tie is a common condition with straightforward treatment options to prevent any adverse effects on a child's development. Yet, if left unaddressed, it can lead to challenges such as difficulties 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 employed to address tongue-tie in infants is known as a frenotomy. It is a straightforward intervention where the doctor examines the lingual frenulum and then cuts it using either sterile scissors or a laser. Typically, stitches are unnecessary as the lingual frenulum contains few nerve endings or blood vessels. The procedure is conducted under a local anesthetic.
For older children and adults with tongue-tie, the frenotomy procedure is akin to that performed on infants. However, it is generally conducted under general anesthesia and may involve the use of stitches. In certain instances, speech therapy may also be recommended.