Infant Tongue Tie Treatment - Tongue Tie India

INFANT TONGUE TIES

Infant Tongue Tie Symptoms and Treatments

Infant lip tie and
infant tongue tie

INFANT TONGUE TIE (LINGUAL FRENULUM)

Tongue tie, commonly referred to as Ankyloglossia, is a string of tissue called frenulum. This frenulum connects the underside of the tongue to the mouth’s floor and can be seen under the tongue through a mirror. The frenulum tissue can restrict the movements of the tongue and cause problems during Breastfeeding, Sucking, Swallowing, Eating and Chewing, Drinking, Breathing, Speech, Jaw growth, Posture and Digestion.

INFANT LIP TIE (LABIAL FRENULUM)

Infant lip ties are a similar band of tissue called the labial frenulum that adheres the lip to the gums at a level much higher than normal. This can lead to potential breastfeeding issues, a gap in between upper front teeth, cavities, inability to close the lips without strain, and speech difficulties.

BABY TONGUE TIE CAUSES

While there are various theories and research behind it, the exact causes of tongue ties are not known yet. Researchers suggest that the tongue tie may be hereditary or due to a defect in cellular apoptosis. Additionally, boys have been found to be more susceptible to having a tongue tie.

INFANT TONGUE TIE SYMPTOMS

Breastfeeding in infants is essential not only for weight gain but also for developed tongue function for the correct functioning of the jaw. Unsuccessful breastfeeding is often stressful for the mother and may affect her mental health. Unsuccessful breastfeeding may prompt the mother to use supplement bottles under the notion that she’s not producing enough milk. However, in certain cases, this may not be true. At times, there may be dysfunctions with the baby’s soft tissues that can be easily resolved. A failure to diagnose tongue and lip ties supplemented with bottle feeds affects jaw growth, airway development, and much more.

For mothers having trouble breastfeeding, it would be ideal to meet with a pediatric dentist, lactation consultant, or pediatrician who can rule out lactation concerns and then assess if there is any tongue or lip tie that is hindering the process of breastfeeding. A comprehensive team-based approach is key to treating these patients. At TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute, we also believe in helping a mother through their exhausting breastfeeding journey with emotional and psychological support.

Symptoms in breastfeeding mothers indicating baby tongue tie includes the following,

Creased nipples
Blanched nipples
Bleeding nipples
Painful latching
Incomplete breast drainage after feeding
Mastitis / Infected nipples
Nipple Thrush
Reduced milk supply
State of mind: Anxious / Depressed

The various baby tongue tie symptoms to watch out for includes
the following,

Prolonged latching / long feeding hours
Unsettled after feeding
Short sleep duration
Poor / shallow latch
Chewing on nipples
Reflux symptoms
Colic symptoms / Gassiness
Falls asleep during feeds
Pulls body away from breast while feeding

INFANT TONGUE TIE DIAGNOSIS

In many cases, infant tongue tie is found when determining the cause of breastfeeding problems in the baby. A tongue tie cannot be diagnosed by seeing if the newborn can stick out the tongue outside the mouth. The evidence-based current approach shows that a comprehensive functional assessment of the tongue is essential. For accurate infant tongue tie diagnosis, it is essential to see a tongue tie specialist. This is also important because apart from the appearance of the tongue, various other tongue tie symptoms can be assessed only by a trained tongue tie specialist.

INFANT ANKYLOGLOSSIA TREATMENT

A tongue tie specialist determines the right infant/newborn tongue tie treatment after considering several factors, such as,

In severe cases, a frenotomy is advised. It can be performed using a scissor or laser technique. The Laser Frenectomy is a safe, quick, simple, and painless procedure that generally requires no anesthesia. Oral Myofunctional Therapy is given as an adjunct to rehabilitate the tongue function and avoid any relapses. In some infants, Craniosacral Therapy may be used as an adjunct when some asymmetry in the head shape or problems with neck stabilization and body tightness have been observed. Postoperative stretches, a functional release, and a team approach is the key to a successful frenotomy. This is what sets us apart. For those seeking tongue tie treatment near me, you have come to the right place.

Dr. Shah is

Laser Certified

by Global Laser Oral Health,
(GLOH), LLC to perform laser
frenectomies.

RISKS OF AN UNTREATED TIE

Selective in chewing solid foods
Speech defects
Improper jaw growth
Crooked teeth
Sucking habits
Mouth breathing
Forward neck and shoulder posture

The above mentioned risks are examples of observed changes in children. NOT ALL TIES SHOW all the above mentioned risks. It takes an experienced provider to thoroughly investigate the tongue function and symptoms associated with each tie.

TONGUE TIE RELEASE: AN AGE OLD TREATMENT

Until this 19th century Midwives were known to clip a newborn’s tongue-tie at birth with a sharp fingernail if spotted with breastfeeding issues. The second half of the 20th century saw a movement away from the practice of breastfeeding. It may have been caused by the rise of formula and bottle feeding, which together, made diagnosing a tongue tie as a long-lost art.

That means there are two to three generations that grew up with tongue-ties. It’s a large group of adults who are living in the dark and are experiencing its signs and symptoms that could unknowingly have a tongue-tie and its compensations.

OUR ADVANCED & GLOBALLY RENOWNED TONGUE TIE PROCEDURES:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of infant tongue ties during breastfeeding?

If your infant has tongue tie, you may notice the following while breastfeeding,

Trouble latching
Clicking sounds while feeding
Trouble maintaining a latch
Frequent feeds
Poor weight gain

Can a tongue tie come back after treatment?

No, tongue tie doesn’t come back. However, reattachment can occur if post-treatment guidelines are not followed. Dr. Ankita Shah provides the most unique tongue tie release treatment through laser treatment that gives permanent results in infant tongue ties.

Is infant tongue tie release painful?

No, infant tongue tie release is not painful. Before the procedure, a numbing cream or solution is used for a painless procedure. Dr. Ankita Shah offers painless tongue tie release procedures. Her approach ensures minimal to no pain both during and after the procedure.

Can infant tongue tie treatment leave a scar?

No, with Dr. Ankita Shah’s laser treatment approach, you can expect minimal to no scarring post-procedure. Dr. Ankita Shah is the only doctor who is Laser Certified by Global Laser Oral Health (GLOH), LLC, to perform laser frenectomies.

I am able to breastfeed, but I still think my baby has a tongue tie. What to do?

Not all tongue ties need releases. It is advised to see a doctor specializing in tongue tie to identify it if you don’t have breastfeeding-related symptoms. Dr. Ankita Shah and her team use multidisciplinary approaches to diagnose tongue ties accurately, even in the absence of any prominent symptoms to make sure if the tongue tie needs a release or no.