As a new parent, you may have heard the term "tongue tie," yet still have questions regarding its definition and treatment options for newborn tongue ties in 2023.
Tongue ties, known medically as ankyloglossia, affect some newborns and may present difficulties during breastfeeding as well as future speech development issues. Here, we explore its causes, symptoms and treatment methods in 2023.
What Is A Newborn Tongue Tie?
Newborn tongue tie is a condition caused when the frenulum, the small piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, becomes tight or short enough that its movement becomes restricted, potentially interfering with breastfeeding and speech development later in life.
Causes Of Newborn Tongue Ties
Tongue tie in newborn babies remains unclear, however it's thought to be genetic in origin and more commonly occurs among males or premature newborns.
Signs And Symptoms Of Newborn Tongue Tie
Trouble Breastfeeding: Newborns born with tongue tie can have difficulty latching onto breast milk properly and maintaining proper latch. This can result in poor weight gain as well as frustration for both mother and infant.
- Speech difficulties: Over time, tongue tie can cause speech disorders in children resulting from its impact, such as difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or words correctly.
- Oral Hygiene Issues: Tongue tie can make it more challenging for children to clean their mouth properly, leading to dental hygiene problems like bad breath and tooth decay.
Determining Newborn Tongue Tie
Newborn tongue ties can be identified through evaluation by healthcare providers such as lactation consultants or pediatricians. They will conduct a physical exam of your infant to check for restrictions to his/her tongue movement and any restrictions to breathing or swallowing.
Treatment Options For Newborn Tongue Ties
Frenotomy: Frenotomy is an easy and safe procedure which involves cutting the frenulum to free movement restrictions. Usually performed in healthcare providers' offices and taking only minutes, frenotomy provides effective relief of newborn tongue tie conditions.
- Speech Therapy: If a tongue tie is diagnosed later on in life, speech therapy may be recommended in order to assist the child overcome any speech-related obstacles they might be having.
- Tongue exercises: Following a frenotomy procedure, tongue exercises may be suggested in order to strengthen and expand upon the muscles within your tongue while increasing mobility and increasing its functionality.
Benefits Of Treating Newborn Tongue Tie
- Enhance breastfeeding: Treating newborn tongue ties may improve breastfeeding results for both mother and infant, giving both more opportunities for success during their breastfeeding relationship.
- Improve Oral Function: Addressing tongue tie early can prevent future difficulties with speech and oral functions such as chewing.
- Enhance the quality of life: Treating newborn tongue tie can significantly enhance their quality of life by alleviating discomfort during feeding sessions and eliminating frustration during these occasions.
When To Seek Treatment For Newborn Tongue Tie
If your newborn shows symptoms of tongue tie, early intervention could save time and reduce long-term problems while improving breastfeeding results. Early treatment could prevent long-term issues and boost breastfeeding success rates.
Conclusion
Newborn tongue tie is an increasingly prevalent condition that may impede breastfeeding and speech later on, creating difficulties with breast-feeding as well as reduced speech development later.
If you suspect your newborn may have tongue tie, speak to their healthcare provider regarding diagnosis and potential treatment.
Frenotomy offers safe and effective options that may enhance breastfeeding as well as minimize future speech disorders with proper diagnosis and intervention, your baby could go on to live a happy and fulfilling life!