Tongue-tie is a common birth condition where the lingual frenulum—the small band of tissue connecting a baby’s tongue to the floor of the mouth—is shorter than usual. Normally, this tissue separates before birth, allowing the tongue to move freely. But with tongue-tie, that tissue remains tight and attached.
Many parents notice that tongue-tie, when treated early, rarely impacts a child’s development. Yet if it’s left untreated, it can cause feeding challenges, speech delays, or oral hygiene issues.
Common signs of tongue-tie include:
- Limited tongue movement that makes breastfeeding difficult
- Trouble lifting the tongue or moving it side to side
- Difficulty sticking the tongue out fully
- The tongue appearing notched or heart-shaped when extended
Treatment of Tongue-Tie
Treating tongue-tie in infants usually involves a quick, simple procedure called a frenotomy. Your child’s trusted doctor will examine the lingual frenulum and gently release it using a laser. This procedure generally requires only a local anesthetic and no stitches, since the area has very few nerves and blood vessels.
For older children and adults, the frenotomy is similar but may be done under general anesthesia and sometimes requires stitches. Post-procedure, speech therapy might be recommended to support clear speech development.
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