Tongue Tie

What Is Tongue Tie?

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Tongue tie (also called ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth where a baby’s lingual frenulum (the small piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual. This can restrict tongue movement, potentially affecting feeding, speech, and oral development

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How Do I Know If My Baby Has a Tongue Tie?

 

Some signs that your baby may have a tongue tie include:

• Feeding difficulties, such as trouble latching onto the breast or bottle

• Clicking sounds while feeding

• Poor weight gain or frequent feeding but still seeming hungry

• Nipple pain or damage in breastfeeding mothers

• Difficulty sticking out or lifting the tongue.​

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If you're concerned, I can asses your baby and determine if a tongue tie is present and whether treatment is needed.

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What Happens When My Baby Is Assessed for Tongue Tie?

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A tongue tie assessment is usually carried out by a specialist who has had training in tongue ties. They will examine:

• The appearance of the frenulum

• Your baby's tongue movement and function

• Feeding patterns and any related difficulties

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Based on the findings, they may recommend monitoring, feeding support, or a simple procedure called a frenotomy if the tongue tie is causing significant issues.

 

What Is a Frenotomy?

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A frenotomy (also called a tongue tie release) is a quick and simple procedure where the tight frenulum is snipped using sterile scissors or a laser. This is typically done without anesthesia in young babies, as there are few nerve endings in the area. The procedure is very quick, and most babies breastfeed or bottle feed immediately afterward with little to no discomfort.

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Many parents notice immediate improvements in feeding, while others may need some time for their baby to adjust. If necessary, follow-up support with a lactation consultant or feeding specialist can help ensure a smooth transition.

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Please feel free to contact me with any questions.