When is tongue tie a problem?

New mothers often ask us the question; When is tongue tie a problem? Breastfeeding is one of the healthiest choices a mother can make for her infant. Breast milk is superior to any other nutrient for infants, and provides many benefits to the mother and child. Mothers who experience difficulty with breastfeeding their newborn could have infants with a tongue tie problem. Sometimes mothers and babies do not have issues feeding, and tongue ties aren’t noticed until a child is much older and has difficulties with speech, eating, or is at a higher risk for cavities.

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Tongue Tie Symptoms

We encourage new mothers to work with a lactation consultant and a pediatrician to determine if there are functional problems. Pediatric dentists can also provide an evaluation of oral tissues to determine if there is a functional problem. Difficulty nursing is one problem that may be a sign of a tie. It can lead babies to have to work harder to complete feeding, which can lead to pain for mothers during nursing time. Infants may also have poor weight gain due to the lack of milk consumed, and extra energy spent trying to adequately eat. Mothers may also notice a click or popping noise, and infants may swallow air due to a poor latch which can lead to more spit up than normal, gas, or reflux.

What is the treatment for oral ties?

There are a variety of different ways a tongue tie or lip tie can be released. In earlier years midwives would release the tongue or lip with a sharp finger nail. Luckily technology has improved and many surgeons and pediatric dentists are able to provide treatment safely and effectively. Ties have also been released with blades or scalpels, electrosurgery, and lasers. Lasers for the treatment of lip ties allow for infants to be treated in an out patient setting, and avoid the risk of sedation or general anesthesia.

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As mentioned earlier, it is best to use a team approach when dealing with tongue ties in infants. After correction newborns will need to learn to retrain their muscles in order see improvement in nursing. Like wise older children who have had difficulties with speech should have access to speech therapy.