Tongue-tie occurs when a new-born’s tongue is unable to move freely due to a tight band of tissue linking the base of their tongue to the bottom of their mouth. This band of tissue, known as the lingual frenulum, is found in every child and is typically benign. However, in some instances, a lingual frenulum that is excessively tight or short can limit the tongue’s ability to move and perform its functions. In such cases, medical professionals identify the condition as ankyloglossia, which is better known as tongue-tie.
Having a tongue-tie can sometimes make breastfeeding more difficult. Infants with a tongue-tie might struggle to latch on or suckle properly, which could lead to inadequate nutrition intake. Such latch issues can also result in pain or discomfort for the nursing parent, potentially leading them to consider discontinuing breastfeeding.
If you’re experiencing these issues, don’t lose hope. Frequently, lactation experts can assist in modifying your breastfeeding position or your baby’s latch to address these problems. Should these adjustments not suffice, your baby might require a secure and swift procedure known as a frenotomy. This procedure involves cutting the lingual frenulum to allow your baby’s tongue to move more freely.
Ankyloglossia symptoms in new-borns include:
If you’re breastfeeding, you may also have symptoms related to your baby’s tongue-tie, including:
Remember that these signs are what medical professionals refer to as nonspecific. This indicates they don’t exclusively point to tongue-tie, but could be due to various other factors. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult a medical professional who specialises in addressing breastfeeding concerns. They will assist in determining the root of your symptoms (if it’s tongue-tie or another issue) and discover an appropriate remedy.
Your infant’s tongue might seem to have a heart-like shape or might have a small indentation. This is due to the lingual frenulum, which is a thin band that links close to the end of their tongue, limiting its ability to move. In certain instances, tongue-tie might not be very apparent. Medical professionals check for indications of tongue-tie during a physical examination shortly after the baby is born.
Tongue-tie is a condition that is present at birth, meaning your infant is born with it. Scientists are not precisely aware of the reasons behind some infants being born with tongue-tie, but there could be a genetic factor involved. Certain studies indicate that tongue-tie could be inherited within families, possibly following an X-linked inheritance pattern.
© Copyright 2025 | Jones ENT Surgery | All Rights Reserved