Tongue ties (ankyloglossia) in newborns can present challenges and concerns for both infants and parents. This condition occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is unusually short or tight, restricting the tongue’s range of motion. While some tongue ties may not cause significant issues, others can lead to breastfeeding difficulties, speech impediments, and other concerns. But in order to ensure effective management and early intervention, it is important for us to understand the causes, symptoms, myths, and treatments.
Causes of Tongue Ties In Newborns:
The exact cause of tongue ties has not been confirmed by science, but they can sometimes be associated with genetic factors. Also, certain connective tissue disorders may increase the likelihood of tongue ties. But tongue ties typically develop during fetal development, when the lingual frenulum fails to separate properly from the floor of the mouth.
3 Symptoms of Tongue Ties in Newborns
Identifying tongue ties in infants can be challenging, but below are 3 common symptoms of tongue ties in infants.
- Difficulty Breastfeeding: Infants with tongue ties may struggle to latch onto the breast properly due to limited tongue mobility. This can lead to poor feeding, inadequate milk transfer, and nipple pain or damage for the mother.
- Clicking Noises: If your infant makes a clicking sound during breastfeeding sessions then this can indicate ineffective sucking due to a tongue tie.
- Difficulty with Tongue Movements: Restricted tongue mobility could also make it difficult for the baby to stick out his or her tongue or move it from side to side.
3 Common Myths About Tongue Ties in Newborns
Myth 1: Tongue ties are always visible
Although it is widely believed that tongue ties can easily be detected, not all tongue ties are immediately visible to the naked eye. Some infants may have posterior tongue ties where the tight band of tissue is hidden further back in the mouth instead and could be covered by mucous membranes. So it is important to speak with a healthcare provider who can more accurately diagnose both visible and hidden cases of tongue ties.
Myth 2: Tongue tie release treatments are always painful for infants
Although the idea of tongue tie release may seem painful, it is usually a quick and painless procedure for infants. Most of these procedures are performed using anesthesia to alleviate any discomfort and the release usually takes only a few seconds. Sometimes infants may experience temporary discomfort and fussiness after the procedure but this can also be alleviated through gentle feeding and cuddling.
Myth 3: Tongue ties always cause speech delays
Although severe tongue ties can impact speech development, this is not always the case. There are many children with tongue ties who still have normal speech development, especially if the condition is mild or they receive appropriate treatment. Speech delays tend to occur when the tongue tie restricts the tongue movement. This hinders the baby’s ability to produce certain sounds. But with speech therapy or other corrective procedures, you can address these speech issues.
Treatments for Tongue Ties in Newborns
The management of tongue ties depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of associated symptoms. In order to determine the right treatment, you need to speak with a healthcare provider who can properly assess your situation. But some treatment options may include:
1. Frenotomy
This is a simple and quick procedure where a healthcare provider cuts the lingual frenulum to release the tongue tie. It can often be done in the doctor’s office or clinic using local anesthesia to prevent any pain. This treatment usually results in immediate improvement in breastfeeding and tongue mobility.
2. Frenuloplasty
In cases where the tongue tie is more extensive and complex, a frenuloplasty may be performed. This surgical procedure involves making an incision in the lingual frenulum to release the tongue tie. Frenuloplasty may be recommended if frenotomy is insufficient or if the tongue tie is associated with other oral issues.
3. Lactation Support
The breastfeeding difficulties that are caused by a tongue tie often require support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist. By speaking with a lactation consultant, you can receive guidance on proper positioning and latching techniques to ensure breastfeeding success, even in the presence of a tongue tie.
Final Thoughts
In order for us to effectively manage tongue ties and minimize potential complications, we need to identify these symptoms and intervene at an early stage. Otherwise, a tongue tie could lead to further issues such as difficulty breastfeeding which causes the baby to lose weight and not receive enough nutrients. It could also lead to painful reflux in infants and poor sleep. So if you suspect that your infant may have a tongue tie then it is important to speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. With the right treatment, your infant can improve his/her ability to feed, develop speech and maintain positive oral health.
I hope you found this article to be very informative. Please remember to share or leave a comment below with some of your experiences. Also if you found this article interesting then you may also be interested in a previous one on the common issues that breastfeeding mothers face.
