Our tongue plays a crucial role in daily functions such as swallowing, eating, and speaking. Tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum (a band of tissue beneath the tongue) is too tight or short, limiting its range of motion. If unaddressed, this condition may lead to speech challenges over time, especially with pronouncing certain sounds as a child grows.
Signs of tongue-tie in babies:
- difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- producing a clicking sound while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
Signs of tongue-tie in older children:
- a tongue with a heart-shaped tip when extended
- difficulty stretching the tongue past the lower front teeth
- challenges in lifting tongue to touch the upper teeth or moving it side to side
- trouble with clear speech and pronouncing sounds such as d, l, s, t, and th
What are the treatment options for tongue-tie?
If you suspect your newborn is suffering from a possible tongue-tie, it is best to consult a paediatrician for a thorough examination to determine if intervention is necessary. In addition, seeking guidance from a lactation specialist may provide valuable breastfeeding support and advice.
When tongue-tie surgery is recommended, it is typically treated with a frenectomy — a minor procedure performed by an oral surgeon. This can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
The oral surgeon carefully removes the lingual frenum (the soft tissue restricting tongue movement) using a surgical blade, electric knife, or laser during the procedure. The entire process generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes. If your child is experiencing any of the tongue-tie symptoms mentioned above, get a professional diagnosis today.
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