How Local Providers Work Together to Support Tongue-Tied Babies
Finding Solutions for Tongue-Tied Babies
You’ve probably heard the phrase tongue tied used to describe a situation where you struggle to come up with the right words to express yourself. Babies aren’t big talkers, so you might wonder how you could have a tongue-tied baby.
A condition called ankyloglossia may be present at birth. This condition affects up to about 10% of newborns and may result in mild-to-moderate symptoms. What happens when babies are tongue tied, and what can parents do to treat the condition?
What are tongue and lip ties?
Ties are conditions involving connective membranes that are too short, tight, or thick, typically restricting movement and function. A lip tie affects the maxillary frenulum (membrane) connecting the upper lip to the gumline, pulling the lip inward.
A tongue tie affects the lingual frenulum, which connects the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, potentially restricting tongue movement. In either case, the condition could be mild and barely noticeable. Or it might impact appearance and present significant functional challenges.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Tongue-Tied Babies
Tongue tie may be visible, but symptoms could reveal the condition before diagnosis by a medical or dental professional. The first sign most parents encounter is difficulty breastfeeding, specifically latching.
Even if babies don’t struggle to feed or overcome this setback, tongue tie can lead to childhood problems with activities like eating and speaking that require dexterity. Once the condition is diagnosed, several professionals may be able to help with different symptoms.
It Takes a Village
Not all tongue-tied babies face the same problems. The type and severity of challenges depend on the individual. If your child has several issues related to tongue tie, you may have to consult a range of specialists, including lactation consultants, speech therapists, and pediatric dentists, to come up with a comprehensive plan to help your child thrive.
Lactation Consultants
The benefits of breastfeeding are well known, but as many new moms discover, it’s not always easy to feed a newborn the natural way. There are several reasons why babies may struggle to latch, and one of them is tongue tie.
When tongue movement is restricted, newborns may not achieve adequate suction to feed properly, leaving them hungry and distressed. A lactation consultant can work with parents on strategies like positioning before they consider surgical solutions.
Speech Therapists/Pathologists
Not all tongue-tied babies will struggle to latch or feed. Or they may overcome these issues with help from a lactation specialist. However, a tongue tie can still cause problems down the line as children begin speaking and find they can’t form certain sounds without a full range of motion.
A speech therapist/pathologist works to improve oral function with exercises designed to increase tongue strength and mobility. In some cases, children learn to compensate for the condition and speak normally. Even if a surgical procedure is necessary to loosen tight tissue, a speech therapist can continue to help with functional development.
Pediatric Dentists and Orthodontists
Developmental concerns are common with an untreated tongue tie in a baby. Dentists can help you understand how the structure and development of the jaw might be affected by tongue tie. They can discuss surgical options to release the tongue tie and explain the benefits and potential risks associated with the procedure.
Community Resources
Latching issues can make any new mother feel overwhelmed. Lactation support, therapy, and parenting groups can help you in several ways. For starters, you can access a wealth of information, such as breastfeeding tips from other parents and specialists.
You can also get referrals for professionals with the knowledge and experience you need. Coordinated care helps you understand your options and make informed decisions about how to best care for a tongue-tied infant.
When is a laser frenectomy necessary?
Tongue tie doesn’t always require surgical intervention. With the help of lactation specialists and speech therapists, your child may overcome a mild condition.
However, if feeding or speaking is problematic, it’s time to discuss surgery with a pediatric dentist. Timing can be important for health and development, so it’s best to get input from every possible resource early.
The surgery to release a tongue tie is called a lingual frenectomy. It involves a small incision with a scalpel or scissors to release tension, although it could also be accomplished with laser dentistry. Lasers offer benefits like greater precision, reduced bleeding, lower risk of infection, and faster recovery.
Collaboration Is the Best Course for Positive Outcomes
Surgery is often the last option for parents with tongue-tied children. However, choosing the best course of action is easier with collaborative care. When a team of specialists shares findings and goals, communicates openly, and supports parents before and after treatment, children and families enjoy the best outcomes.
If you’re looking for a painless dentist in Salem, Oregon, contact the team at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry. We’re always happy to address your questions and concerns.
