TONGUE-TIE
Tongue-tie is a birth defect where the strip of skin connecting a baby's tongue to the floor of their mouth is shorter than usual. 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.
Luckily, 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:
- Challenges with breastfeeding because of restricted tongue movement.
- Struggling to lift or move the tongue side to side.
- Difficulty protruding the tongue.
- Tongue appears either notched or heart-shaped when extended.
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 cuts it using either sterile scissors or a laser. Stitches are typically unnecessary due to the minimal presence of nerve endings and blood vessels in the lingual frenulum. 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.