WHAT IS TONGUE – TIE?
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition in which an extra thin membrane, also called frenulum, is attached to the base of the tongue. So the base of the tongue is anchored to the floor of the mouth and it may restrict the mobility of the tongue.
HOW COMMON IS THE PROBLEM?
Tongue tie varies from 1% to 10% of babies but in general occurs in around 3% of babies.
DOES IT RUN IN FAMILIES?
Tongue-tie can often run in families . Some relatives may only have mild effects or no apparent symptoms while others may show a severe impact on structure and functions of the tongue.
WHAT IS A LIP-TIE?
Inside the mouth, under the upper lip and roughly between the two front teeth there is a piece of skin which connects to the upper gum. This piece of skin is called the labial frenulum. In some babies it is too short or thick and too tightly pinned to the upper gum, restricting movement of the upper lip. When this occurs the baby is said to have a lip-tie.
HOW DOES TONGUE-TIE/LIP-TIE AFFECT BREASTFEEDING?
The baby may not be able to open their mouth wide enough to take in a full mouthful of breast tissue. This can result in ‘nipple-feeding’ because the nipple is not drawn far enough back in the baby’s mouth and constantly rubs against the baby’s hard palate as they feed. As a result, the mother is likely to suffer nipple trauma and the baby may not feed effectively which may lead to issues like colic, poor weight gain etc.
WHAT ARE SIGNS OF TONGUE-TIE AND LIP-TIE?
If you or your baby has some or many of above mentioned issues, a thorough assessment by a lactation consultant or paediatrician will help in deciding whether your baby requires Tongue-tie or Lip-tie snipping(Frenotomy).
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
Tongue-tie or Lip-tie release (Frenotomy) along with breastfeeding support and counselling from a lactation consultant or child nurse. Tongue-tie is unlikely to improve by its own without frenotomy. If frenotomy is not done, its impact on feeding may improve with time as with time your baby learns to adapt to feeding with tongue tie. However this learning path may be painful for both baby & mother.
WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM IMPLICATIONS IF FRENOTOMY IS NOT DONE?
Some implications include speech articulation problems, increased interdental space or issues with oral hygiene.
WHAT IS A FRENOTOMY?
- Frenotomy is a release or cut of the tongue tie by an experienced health care professional ,so that the tongue can move more freely.
- The release of tongue-tie involves the clinician placing a finger and thumb under the baby’s tongue to gain the clear access to the frenulum.
- Generally no local anesthesia is needed and with the use of sterile scissors the frenulum is released.
- The procedure is generally not very painful and some babies may be upset due to and the discomfort of having specialist fingers placed in the mouth.
