You’ve surely heard the term “tongue-tied” when someone is unable to speak due to shyness, embarrassment or surprise. But are you aware that tongue-tie is an actual birth condition? It affects almost five percent of babies. Luckily, though, this situation, which limits a tongue’s movement, can be remedied by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
At the office of Harmony Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we are experts in oral and maxillofacial surgery. We guide our patients through their diagnoses, treatments and aftercare with skill and compassion. We ensure that our patients feel at ease. When you visit us, you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced oral and maxillofacial attention.
What is tongue-tie?
The lingual frenulum is the web of tissue under the tongue that connects to the floor of the mouth. Tongue-tie occurs when a newborn’s frenulum is abnormal and restricts the movement of the tongue. Anterior tongue-tie is in the front two-thirds of the tongue, while posterior tongue-tie is in the back third. An anterior tongue-tie is easier to identify because the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is visible. A posterior tongue-tie isn’t as obvious and can be harder to see in a newborn.
Possible indications that your child has it
- The child can’t stick the tongue out past the teeth; when trying to, the tongue might look notched or shaped like a heart.
- Difficulty breastfeeding.
- The child doesn’t lift the tongue or move it from side to side.
- The child doesn’t lick the lips or use the tongue to brush food off the teeth.
Breastfeeding difficulties can prevent a child from ingesting important nutrients. Without treatment, limited tongue movement can also bring on problems as the child grows older, including speech challenges, an increased risk of tooth decay and other oral hygiene issues.
An oral surgeon can perform one of two relatively easy procedures to free a child’s tongue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue-Tie in Babies
What exactly is tongue-tie, and what causes it?
Tongue-tie, known clinically as ankyloglossia, happens when the lingual frenulum — the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth — is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual. This restricts how far the tongue can move, and it is present from birth rather than something that develops later.
What is the difference between anterior and posterior tongue-tie?
Anterior tongue-tie involves tissue attached toward the front of the tongue, so the restriction is usually easy to see during an exam. Posterior tongue-tie involves tissue attached farther back, closer to the base of the tongue, and can be harder to identify because less of the tissue is visible.
What are the signs that my baby might have tongue-tie?
Common signs include trouble sticking the tongue out past the lower teeth (sometimes with a notched or heart-shaped tip), difficulty latching or staying latched while breastfeeding, and limited ability to lift the tongue or move it from side to side. A pediatrician or oral surgeon can confirm the diagnosis with a physical exam.
Can tongue-tie cause problems if it is not treated?
Yes. Untreated tongue-tie can make breastfeeding difficult, which may affect how well a baby feeds. As a child grows, unresolved tongue-tie has also been associated with speech difficulties and a higher risk of tooth decay and other oral hygiene challenges, since limited tongue mobility makes it harder to clear food debris from the teeth.
How is tongue-tie treated, and is the procedure safe for infants?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can release the restrictive tissue with a short in-office procedure, most often a frenotomy (a simple clip of the frenulum) or a frenectomy (removal of the tissue), depending on the case. These procedures are generally quick and well tolerated by infants, and most babies are able to resume feeding shortly afterward. Your surgeon can walk you through which approach is right for your child.
Harmony Dental Implants & Oral Surgery’s mission is to improve oral and maxillofacial conditions, whatever they may be. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide superior patient care. For more information about how we can help you, please call us today to arrange an appointment.