Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too thick or tight. This may restrict tongue mobility and impact feeding, speech, and oral growth. Early identification of tongue-tie is essential for effective treatment. If you are seeking expert treatment, Tampa Tongue-Tie Centre has expertise in diagnosing and treating this condition in newborns.
What is Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie happens when the lingual frenulum does not develop properly before birth. A lactation challenge (breastfeeding, bottle-feeding) or difficulty in speech development may occur. For some infants, these signs are obvious; for others, the signs are so subtle that they may go unnoticed.
Common Signs of Tongue-Tie in Infants
Newborn parents should watch for these symptoms because tongue-tie creates feeding difficulties:
- Newborns with tongue-tie experience trouble latching during breastfeeding, which creates frustration between the baby and mother.
- The baby needs to feed more often because they cannot latch properly.
- A baby with tongue-tie produces clicking sounds when they attempt to suck because their tongue cannot form an adequate seal on the nipple.
- The inability to move the tongue properly results in poor milk extraction, which causes weight gain issues.
- The baby attempts to gum or chew the nipple instead of sucking properly, which leads to nipple discomfort and damage for the mother.
- Babies with tongue-tie tend to drool excessively because they have difficulty swallowing properly.
What Are the Stages of Tongue-Tie in Infants?
Tongue-tie is divided into various stages or types depending on the severity and site of the restriction:
- Type 1 (Mild): The frenulum is thin and lies on the very tip of the tongue. A few babies may not have significant problems.
- Type 2 (Moderate): The frenulum is slightly more posterior and thicker, impeding tongue elevation and mobility.
- Type 3 (Severe): The frenulum is wider and reaches further towards the center of the tongue, with a greater degree of restriction.
- Type 4 (Posterior Tongue-Tie): The frenulum is deep-seated and covered by mucous membrane, thus more difficult to diagnose. It can severely restrict movement of the tongue.
Each phase of feeding and oral function is differently impacted by all stages. Certain babies with relatively mild restriction don’t need intervention, but more severe restrictions cause the need for a procedure to free the frenulum.
Can a Tongue-Tie Go Unnoticed?
Indeed, it is possible for a tongue-tie to remain undiagnosed, particularly if the symptoms are not severe. Some babies learn to adapt to limited mobility of their tongue effectively, and parents may not recognize the issue until an older developmental stage is reached. In some cases, children (and sometimes adults) learn they have a tongue-tie when areas of difficulty arise around speech, eating, and oral care.
Long-Term Effects of Undiagnosed Tongue-Tie
If left untreated, tongue-tie can lead to:
- Speech Difficulties: Some children may struggle with pronouncing certain sounds.
- Dental Issues: Limited tongue mobility can affect oral hygiene, leading to cavities and gum problems.
- Difficulty Eating Solid Foods: A restricted tongue can make chewing and swallowing challenging.
- Social Challenges: Older children or adults may experience difficulty sticking out their tongue, licking an ice cream cone, or playing wind instruments.
Diagnosing and Treating Tongue-Tie
A specialist can diagnose tongue-tie through a physical exam and by evaluating feeding patterns. The most common treatment is a frenotomy, a quick and simple procedure where the frenulum is clipped to improve tongue mobility. In more severe cases, a frenuloplasty may be required, which involves sutures and a more detailed surgical approach.
Why Choose Tampa Tongue-Tie Center for Your Baby’s Care
At Tampa Tongue-Tie Center, our experienced team provides comprehensive evaluations and effective treatment options to ensure your baby’s well-being. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and give your child the best start in life.