Tongue-tie can occur when the strip of skin (lingual frenulum) connecting a baby’s tongue to the floor of their mouth is shorter than usual. Typically, this strip of skin separates before birth, allowing the tongue free range of motion. With tongue-tie, the lingual frenulum remains attached to the bottom of the tongue.
Tongue-tie is a very common condition that, if addressed quickly, will not hinder a child’s development. However, if left untreated, tongue-tie can result in speech difficulty or poor oral hygiene.
Signs of tongue-tie include:
- Restriction of the tongue’s movement, making it harder to breastfeed
- Difficulty lifting the tongue up or moving it from side to side
- Difficulty sticking the tongue out
- The tongue looks notched or heart-shaped when stuck out
Treatment of Tongue-Tie
The treatment of tongue-tie for infants is a simple surgical procedure called a frenectomy. A frenectomy "releases" the restriction of the tissue – freeing your child's mouth to function normally.
Our office treats tongue and lip ties with advanced WaterLase technology! If your baby is not gaining weight, or if you are suffering acute pain from breastfeeding, it may be a sign of tongue or lip tie. Frenectomy often immediately solves breastfeeding woes for mother and baby in cases of tongue or lip tie. The earlier tongue and lip tie are treated, the better.