Identifying a tongue tie
A tongue tie, medically known as ‘ankyloglossia,’ is a condition that limits the movement of a baby’s tongue and can interfere with their feeding. Our tongues have a membrane underneath them that connects the tip of the tongue to the base of the mouth, and sometimes in babies this tissue can be short, tight, and thick. With a tongue tie, some babies can’t properly achieve the suction needed to efficiently drink milk.
How common are tongue ties?
An estimated 4 to 11% of babies are born with a tongue tie, a condition that was poorly understood until recent years. A tongue tie is not usually something you can spot without precise medical expertise. If you suspect one, a lactation consultant or pediatrician can help determine if a tongue tie is present, and if so, how—and whether—to treat it.
Potential tongue tie complications
If your baby has a tongue tie, they may:
- Have trouble latching
- Not gain weight at the expected rate
- Feed for long periods, takes short breaks, then feed again
- Make a clicking sound during feedings
- Not be able to move their tongue side to side
- Have a heart or V-shape at the tip of their tongue when it’s stuck out
If you’re breastfeeding, signs of a tongue tie can include painful latching, low or dwindling milk supply, sore nipples, and mastitis. There are other reasons babies have trouble latching, so be sure to check with a lactation consultation or pediatrician if you have concerns.
Common treatment
Not all tongue ties require intervention, as sometimes they don’t interfere with latching. When treatment is recommended, it’s common for a doctor to perform what’s known as a ‘frenotomy’ (or simply a ‘release’). This is typically a simple procedure in infants, often done in a pediatrician’s office or by a specialist, that elevates the tongue to free it up for a greater range of motion.
Posted in: 0 - 12 Months, Feeding, Health, Care & Hygiene, Feeding, Sleeping & Care, Child Development
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