How is Tongue-Tie Corrected?
Tongue tie is a condition that restricts the range of motion in the tongue. It arises when a tissue band connects the tongue's tip to the bottom of the mouth. If your child was born with tongue tie, they may have trouble eating, speaking, and swallowing. In addition, they may find it challenging to stick their tongue out and move it from side to side. So how can your child's tongue tie be resolved? Keep reading to find out.
Tongue-Tie Symptoms and Diagnosis
While tongue-tie is seen in both genders, it's more common in boys. Your child is at risk for tongue-tie if the condition runs in your family as it may be caused by genetic factors. If your child has it, you should know fairly early on in their life.
The most common signs of tongue-type include a heart-shaped tongue, difficulty moving the tongue, and speech problems. If you believe your child is showing symptoms of tongue-tie, it's a good idea to take them for the doctor.
Once you do, they'll ask your child a few questions and perform a comprehensive physical exam. If you have an infant, the doctor will likely examine their tongue through a special screening tool.
Tongue-Tie Treatment
Each case of tongue tie is unique. Therefore, treatment varies and will depend on your child's particular situation. While some doctors suggest correcting tongue-tie immediately, others prefer to wait and see what happens to it over time.
If surgery is necessary, a doctor may recommend a frenectomy or frenuloplasty. During a frenotomy, the surgeon will cut the lingual frenulum, which is the thick tissue band that connects the tip of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. This tends to be a quick and painless procedure because the lingual frenulum does not contain any blood vessels or nerve endings.
In the event the lingual frenulum is too thick and a frenotomy is not possible, a frenuloplasty may be necessary. A frenuloplasty is a more extensive procedure that involves general anesthesia and leaves a wound that's closed with sutures and typically heals on its own.
Signs Your Child Needs Tongue-Tie Surgery
There are a number of telltale signs that may indicate your child is a good candidate for a tongue-tie surgery like a frenectomy or frenuloplasty. If your child has trouble using a bottle or breastfeeding, surgical intervention may be a good option. Eating and speech troubles may be signs as well.
