Tongue-Tie Treatment–A Solution For The Speech Deprived
What is a tongue-tie? The term is often used to describe someone who’s too shy to get words out, but it’s also a very real medical condition that affects about four percent of all infants. Tongue-tie in adults is also common. Known in doctor speak as ankyloglossia, it means that the frenulum — the band of tissue that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth — is too short and tight. This means your baby can have trouble nursing, since her tongue movements are so restricted.
How to fix tongue-tie: A tell-tale sign is a clicking sound when baby nurses as well as trouble latching on and staying latched onto your nipple. If you think your baby might have tongue-tie, see your pediatrician or lactation consultant, who can diagnose it. A pediatrician or ENT doctor may perform a simple procedure called a frenotomy, where the frenulum is clipped so your baby can move her tongue freely.
Tongue-tie surgery: Tongue-tie division involves cutting the short, tight piece of skin connecting the underside of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. It’s a quick, simple and almost painless procedure that usually improves feeding straight away.
