Have you heard about tongue ties?
Maybe you are worried that your kid might have a tongue tie, or maybe you want more information on tongue ties overall. If you need more detailed information as a parent about tongue ties and want to understand this condition better, this article is for you.
In this article, we will discuss all about tongue ties for parents:
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Potential effects
- Diagnosis
- Treatment options
We will also discuss why a pediatric dentist needs to be involved.
Understanding tongue ties
A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition that individuals are born with. In this condition, there is a tight band of tissue from the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. That band of tissue is called the lingual frenulum. This condition can limit the free movement of the tongue.
In an individual without a tongue tie, the frenulum is loose enough to allow the tongue to:
- Stick out past the lower lip
- Contact the roof of the mouth
- Aid important functions like breastfeeding, speaking, and eating
Individuals who have a tongue tie may have difficulty with these movements.
Why does this condition matter for my kid?
Tongue tie happens in utero when the tissue that holds the tongue to the floor of the mouth is still too short, thick, or tight. In regular development, this hold loosens sufficiently to permit complete mobility of the tongue by birth.
In a tongue tie, the hold can vary from mild, with merely a tiny fold at the tip of the tongue, to extreme, where the whole bottom of the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth, limiting mobility almost completely.
Depending on the grade of the tongue tie, if your kid has it and you leave it uncorrected, the restricted mobility of the tongue tie might have a negative influence on:
- Feeding
- Speaking
- Oral health
Remember that not all tongue ties will lead to problems, and most children who have ties will grow up without a problem.
How common is a tongue tie?
The estimates of the prevalence of tongue tie vary widely, especially given that medical professionals don’t have a single definition or diagnosis of the condition. However, approximately four to ten percent of babies are born with some level of tongue tie. Additionally, the condition appears to be more frequently diagnosed in boys than in girls.
Signs and symptoms of a tongue tie in kids
One of the most common ways parents find out that their kids have tongue tie is through breastfeeding difficulties. Proper tongue movement is critical to creating suction and efficiently removing milk from the breast.
For babies
In babies who are breastfeeding, a tongue tie might cause:
- Poor latching on the breast with unsuccessful attempts at breastfeeding.
- Persistent irritation or frustration during feeding due to difficulty in swallowing enough milk.
- Short feeding sessions or falling asleep at the breast within a short period due to exhaustion.
- Poor weight gain or failure to thrive.
Breastfeeding mothers may experience nipple tenderness, damage, or clogged milk ducts during nursing due to the baby’s poor latch. All of these problems could also be signs of another problem, but most parents can ask for professional help to determine whether tongue tie is causing them.
Tongue ties in older children
Older children can also be affected. Some ways in which a tongue tie can affect them include these:
- Speech clarity: Speech can be affected, especially in sounds that require movement of the tongue tip. For example, kids might have problems with “t,” “d,” “s,” “z,” “th,” “n,” and “l.”
- Eating: Kids can have problems chewing or licking foods and complain about them.
- Oral hygiene: For some kids, brushing their teeth correctly might be difficult, as restricted tongue movement can hinder the tongue’s ability to efficiently remove food residues from the teeth.
Diagnosing a tongue tie
To diagnose a tongue tie, you need the help of a medical professional, as the diagnosis involves a careful examination of the tongue and frenulum. A pediatric dentist is qualified to diagnose tongue ties during oral examinations. While some tongue ties are obvious with the existence of an apparent band restricting the tongue, other forms require strenuous examination of tongue function.
Since so many tongue-tied babies nurse just fine, most medical professionals only screen for tongue tie primarily when there are problems with nursing. Lactation consultants, speech therapists, pediatricians, and pediatric dentists often collaborate to identify functional problems related to tongue ties.
What are some treatment options for a tongue tie?
As a parent, you have many options if a tongue tie is causing functional problems for your child. Corrective procedures can help restore mobility of the tongue. For example, your kid might need a frenotomy or a frenuloplasty.
Frenotomy
A frenotomy, also called a tongue-tie release, is a quick and small procedure in which the lingual frenulum is snipped or cut, sometimes using sterile scissors or a laser. Most of the time, it is done on infants and toddlers, and it can greatly improve feeding and breastfeeding.
Frenuloplasty
If the tongue tie is severe or if the frenotomy didn’t work, your kid might need a frenuloplasty. This procedure involves more advanced surgery. In this procedure, the frenulum is surgically adjusted and closed with stitches.
Following both procedures, children may sometimes need feeding or speech therapy to allow for the increased function of the tongue.
Remember: Not all tongue ties need to be addressed; many are minor and will not affect feeding or speech.
Why do pediatric dentists need to be involved?
Pediatric dentists are experts in child oral health and development. Moreover, pediatric dentists know how to:
- Identify tongue ties during a routine exam
- Evaluate the effect of a tongue tie on oral function.
- Prevent long-term speech development problems.
- Prevent oral hygiene concerns.
- Improve feeding and breastfeeding difficulties.
Some pediatric dentists work with lactation consultants and other specialists to provide a complete care plan.
Myths and controversies around a tongue tie
Tongue tie is a common but often undervalued disorder that restricts tongue movement due to a tight or short lingual frenulum.
Although it is true that tongue ties have existed for centuries, it remains a controversial diagnosis. Healthcare professionals can miss or underdiagnose tongue ties.
For mild cases, there is even controversy about the extent to which a tongue tie actually affects breastfeeding, speech, or oral health. Many professionals choose not to treat it when it is mild.
Despite this, further research has established that significant tongue ties do cause interference with functional tongue function and that treatment is worthwhile for most affected children.
A pediatric dentist can help you evaluate your options and the severity of the tongue tie.
Keeping you informed about oral health protects your kid
If you suspect your child has a tongue tie or notice feeding issues or speech delay, speak with your pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists must diagnose and treat tongue tie to help children with:
- Feeding
- Speaking
- Oral development
Remember that early screening and treatment can make a big difference in your child’s health and happiness.
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