UNDERSTANDING TONGUE TIE IN NEWBORNS: UNTANGLING THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS

Written by Lucy Hall

Ankyloglossia also known as tongue tie is a condition that babies are born with and restricts the tongue’s ability to have a full range motion. This happens when the frenulum which is the tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, thick or tight. If left untreated it can lead to other complications and may at some stage affect a child’s ability to feed, speak and swallow. 

What Causes It And How Is It Diagnosed?

It’s unclear what exactly causes tongue tie, but it’s considered to be a hereditary condition. Once your baby has arrived, they will undergo a standard routine newborn examination and tongue tie is often part of this health check, however it may go unnoticed until issues like feed or speach arise.

Diagnosis of tongue tie involves a physical examination by your baby’s healthcare provider. They will be looking to see the movement of the baby’s tongue and determine if the frenulum is impacting the tongue’s function. If your baby is diagnosed with tongue tie, your healthcare provider may suggest a simple surgical procedure that releases the frenulum to reduce any further complications that it may cause in the future.

So What Are The Symptoms And Signs?

One sign to look out for in baby’s is breastfeeding difficulties. Baby’s that have tongue tie can struggle to latch onto the breast which can result in poor weight gain and fussiness when feeding. During breastfeeding, mothers may also experience pain if the baby is unable to latch correctly.

If your child was diagnosed with tongue tie at birth it can have an affect on their ability to eat solid food which may present as fussy eating habits or they may have difficulty in swallowing. It can also impact a child’s speech development. This can result in your child’s ability to make certain sounds like  “t”, “d”, “z”, “s”, “th”, “r” and ”l”. Another sign is dental problems and hygiene. A gap between the lower front teeth or tooth decay are signs and if you are concerned, it may be a good time to book in for a check up with your healthcare provider.

A Closer Look At The Impact Tongue Tie Has On Breastfeeding

Because tongue tie restricts the movement of a baby’s tongue, breastfeeding challenges may arise. Your baby may have trouble latching which can result in your baby feeding for longer periods and affect your baby’s weight gain. It may also discourage mother’s from wanting to continue on the breastfeed journey due to the nipple pain, cracking and in some cases, it can cause mastitis because of poor latching and inadequate draining of the breast. 

If you suspect that your baby has tongue tie, book a consultation with a lactation specialist or healthcare provider who can help in identifying if this is the problem. They may recommend a frenotomy to help your baby latch and feed successfully. 

A Closer Look At The Impact On Speech Development

Speech development can be significantly impacted by tongue tie. The limited mobility of the tongue can make it challenging for a child to articulate certain sounds clearly. Speech therapy may be required to help the child learn to speak properly, but if tongue tie is the underlying cause, a frenotomy might be necessary to improve tongue movement and speech clarity.

Children with tongue tie might exhibit delayed speech development, unclear speech or difficulty with specific sounds. Early intervention is important in preventing long-term speech issues and to support the child’s communication skills.

Eating and Swallowing Difficulties

When children transition to solid foods, if they have tongue tie it can cause difficulties with eating and swallowing. The restricted tongue movement can make it hard  for them to control food within the mouth, leading to gagging, choking or picky eating habits. These challenges can impact the child’s nutrition and overall health.

Parents may notice that their child prefers softer foods or has trouble chewing and swallowing. A frenotomy can help improve the child’s ability to eat a wider variety of foods and reduce feeding difficulties.

Dental Health Concerns

Tongue tie can also affect your child’s dental health. This is because the restricted movement of the tongue can interfere with oral hygiene. Tongue tie can make it more difficult to properly clean teeth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, tongue tie can cause a gap between the lower front teeth, known as a diastema.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for children with tongue tie to monitor their oral health. In some cases, dental issues caused by tongue tie may require orthodontic treatment or other dental interventions.

Treatment Options

The primary treatment for tongue tie is a frenotomy, it’s a simple surgical procedure to release the frenulum. This procedure is typically performed in a healthcare provider’s office and involves using sterile scissors or a laser to cut the frenulum, freeing the tongue to move more easily. It is a quick procedure which can usually be done without anaesthesia for babies and with local anaesthesia for older children and adults.

In some cases, a more extensive procedure called a frenuloplasty may be required, especially if the frenulum is particularly thick or if there has been scar tissue from a previous frenotomy.

This procedure usually involves general anaesthesia and stitches to close the wound.

Post-surgery stretching exercises may be recommended to prevent the frenulum from reattaching and to ensure proper healing. Speech therapy or lactation consultation might also be necessary to address any lingering issues with feeding or speech.

Living with Tongue Tie

Not all cases of tongue tie require treatment. Some individuals adapt to the condition without significant issues. However, if tongue tie affects feeding, speech, eating or dental health, seeking treatment can improve your child’s quality of life.

Parents should monitor their child’s development and consult with healthcare providers if they suspect tongue tie. Early intervention can prevent complications and support the child’s growth and development.

Tongue tie may go unnoticed at birth and its effects can become more apparent as the child grows. Understanding the symptoms and seeking treatment can support many of the challenges tongue tie presents. With the right care and support, children with tongue tie can thrive.