Tongue-ties are caused by the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth being too short or too tight. This restricts the tongue from functioning normally, which can lead to problems feeding in infants, as well as dental, speech, and airway issues as they develop.
Pediatric tongue-tie is more common than most people think- in fact, they are the most common problem that our team at Tampa Tongue Tie Center deals with. If you are concerned that your child may be dealing with tongue-tie, here are some signs to look out for:
#1 Breastfeeding is Painful
When it comes to tongue-tie for a baby, painful breastfeeding is something that indicates a problem. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt, and if it does, then this is a clear sign that something is wrong. Sometimes it is due to a latching issue. Infants with tongue-tie often struggle to latch correctly because of their inability to move their tongues correctly.
#2 Bleeding, Cracked Nipples
Often, when it comes to tongue-tie for infants, the tongue cannot properly draw breast tissue into the baby’s soft palate, which causes nipple damage from rubbing against the hard palate.
#3 Clicking Noises When Nursing
A child dealing with tongue-tie is often unable to properly form a seal around the breast, resulting in clicking sounds as the suction breaks repeatedly.
#4 Colic or Irritability
A good sign that your child needs to visit a tongue-tie specialist in Tampa is that they are gassy and fussy. This is caused because an infant with a tongue-tie will be unable to properly maintain a seal around the breast and therefore swallow a lot of air during feeding, resulting in gassiness and reflux-like symptoms.
#5 Inadequate Weight Gain
Poor weight gain can be a major concern when it comes to tongue-tie for children. If the mother cannot produce enough milk letdown, an infant with tongue-tie can have challenges gaining weight.
#6 Narrow, High Palate
This is one of the physical signs that we look for at our tongue tie center in Tampa. A properly functioning tongue rests against the roof of the mouth when it is closed, which helps the palate form into the correct shape. A tongue-tie can prevent the tongue from resting against the palate, which can cause it to form in a high and narrow shape.
#7 Recurring Mastitis
A baby that has a tongue-tie will be unable to transfer milk well and efficiently drain the breast. This can result in a painful condition where the ducts in the breast clog and lead to infections.
#8 Recessed Chin
A tongue tie that goes unrevised can cause a recessed chin in some infants. However, it is important to note that this can also occur without the presence of a tongue-tie.
Visit Tampa Tongue Tie Center
If any of the above symptoms sound familiar to you, please do not wait to visit our tongue tie center near you. Our team can evaluate your symptoms and the symptoms your child is experiencing to determine if they require tongue tie treatment. We are happy to help you in any way we can to alleviate your painful symptoms and get your child back on track to healthy development. Please do not hesitate to contact our team and book a consultation today!