Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the lingual frenulum, the thin piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the gums, is abnormally short or tight. This can make it difficult for babies to latch onto the breast or bottle, leading to challenges in breastfeeding and potential issues with bottle feeding. Additionally, tongue tie can cause the tongue to stick out of the mouth excessively or be positioned poorly, which can affect speech and pronunciation.
before tongue tie
Before tongue tie surgery, patients may exhibit a variety of symptoms. These can include:
- Difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle
- Difficulty coordinating the movement of the tongue with the lips
- Excessive drooling or spit-up
- Bulging or clicking when feeding
- Gagging or coughing
- Difficulty speaking or forming words clearly
During a Tongue Tie assessment, a healthcare provider examines the tongue and assesses the amount of tension on the lingual frenulum. If necessary, they may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray or ultrasound.
after tongue tie
After tongue tie surgery, patients typically observe significant improvements in their feeding and speech patterns. Following are some of the most common outcomes after a tongue tie release:
- Improved latching and sucking: Many babies who experienced tongue tie difficulties report relief shortly after the procedure. They are able to maintain a better position duringå–‚å…», which facilitates better weight gain and weight loss.
- ClearerSpeech: The improvement in tongue mobility can lead to clearer speech and more normal articulation. Parents often notice an increase in the number of words they are able to articulate clearly.
- Reduced drooling and spit-up: As the tongue is allowed to swing freely, there is a decrease in drooling and spit-up, leading to cleaner mouths and happier parents.
- Improved oral hygiene: With more accurate positioning of the tongue, brushing and wiping the teeth can become more effective, reducing the risk of dental caries.
Postoperative care for tongue tie patients typically involves:
- Keeping the mouth clean to avoid infection
- Avoiding certain foods that could traumatize the tongue or gums while the frenulum heals
- Consistent follow-up appointments with the oral surgeon to monitor healing
- Practicing speaking exercises to retrain the tongue to move correctly within the mouth.
Tongue tie surgery is a minor procedure that can bring about significant improvements for babies with breastfeeding and speech difficulties. With appropriate postoperative care and follow-up, most patients experience a successful recovery and go on to lead normal, healthy lives.
