Does your child have a tongue tie? Also known as ankyloglossia, this condition can significantly restrict the tongue's range of motion. If your newborn has an ankyloglossia diagnosis, take a look at what you need to know about tongue tie releases and caring for your child.
What Is A Tongue Tie?
This condition happens when a thick band of tissue connects (or ties) the underside of a child's tongue to the floor (bottom) of their mouth. Unlike dental decay or some other oral issues, a tongue tie is a congenital condition. This means it's present at birth. According to the Mayo Clinic, tongue ties affect up to 10 percent of newborns.
Do You Need To Correct A Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie won't disappear on its own and your child won't outgrow it. This means it's usually necessary to correct a tongue tie. Without treatment, a tongue tie can limit your baby's ability to feed correctly. It can also change the way the tongue looks and moves. As your child begins to speak, this issue can also interfere with the way they talk or make some letter sounds.
If your child has no symptoms of the tongue tie, their pediatrician or pediatric dentist may not recommend immediate treatment. But if your infant is losing weight, struggling to latch (if they are breastfed), or has other noticeable symptoms, the next step is to explore the treatment options.
What Are Tongue Releases?
Tongue tie release services can correct ankyloglossia and relieve your child's symptoms. Also known as a frenotomy, a release is a surgical snip of the thick tissue under the tongue. As the name (tongue release) implies, the procedure releases the tongue from its tether. This allows your child to move their tongue freely, making it easier for them to feed and make noises or speak.
Is General Anesthesia Needed for This Procedure?
Most children will not need general anesthesia or sedation for a release. The procedure is simple and quick. Even though general anesthesia usually isn't necessary, the medical provider can give your child a topical numbing gel to reduce the possibility of pain. If you have concerns about your infant feeling pain or moving during the procedure, speak with the surgeon about the available options, the risks and benefits, and what to expect.
How Quickly Will Your Child Recover?
The number of days or weeks it takes an infant to recover from a tongue tie release surgery depends on the child's general health, their ability to heal, and the complexity of the procedure.
For more information on tongue tie releases, contact a professional near you.
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