Tongue-tie is a very common condition that, if addressed quickly, will not hinder a child’s development. However, if left untreated, tongue-tie can result in malnourishment, speech difficulty, or poor oral hygiene.
Signs Of Tongue-Tie Include:
Tongue-tie is a birth defect that happens when the lingual frenulum, the strip of skin connecting a baby’s tongue to the floor of their mouth, is shorter than usual. Generally, this strip of skin separates before the baby is born, giving the tongue the capability to move freely. If the baby has tongue-tie, the lingual frenulum stays connected to the base of the tongue.
Tongue-tie is a very common condition that, if addressed quickly, will not hinder a child’s development. However, if left untreated, tongue-tie can result in malnourishment, speech difficulty, or poor oral hygiene.
Treatment of Tongue-Tie
A frenotomy is a straightforward surgical procedure used to treat tongue-tie in infants. The doctor will assess the lingual frenulum before using either sterile scissors or a laser to cut it free. As the lingual frenulum contains few nerve endings or blood vessels, only a local anesthetic is required and stitches are not generally needed.
Frenotomy for tongue-tie in older children and adults is similar to that for infants, although it is usually done under general anesthesia and may involve stitches. Speech therapy may also be necessary.
