Hamilton Mountain Dental Group

Tongue tie is a condition where the thin piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom jaw (lingual frenulum) is abnormally short. It affects three per cent of babies and can impact breastfeeding and speech development. Surgical treatment called a frenectomy is an option for infants and children who have a significant tongue-tie problem, and can drastically improve nutrition, speech, and mouth movement. It is also a good choice for older children with functional tongue-tie problems such as difficulty with swallowing and eating, or for adults who are having difficulties with chewing food or speaking.

When breastfeeding struggles persist, many parents query if their baby has a tongue-tie problem from information they find on the internet or from friends. They are often relieved to have a potential diagnosis, and even more so if a solution is suggested by a health care professional who has received training in functional assessment. A tongue-tie release, also referred to as a frenotomy, is a simple surgical procedure that can be done in the hospital nursery or a dental office. Using a scalpel, the doctor will snip or cut the lingual frenulum to free it. The wound usually heals within a few days, and may be white or yellowish in color.

Typically babies experience some discomfort after a tongue-tie release but are able to feed right away. It is a common belief that the procedure will dramatically improve latching and feeding, which can be true for some dyads. However, it is more likely that progress will have a two steps forward and one step back type of pattern for some time. This is because the tongue, just like any muscle, needs to learn to use it differently.

It is a good idea to have some pain relief on hand for your baby, such as acetaminophen, which is safe for babies of all ages. A small amount of Children’s Benadryl liquid can be applied directly to the tongue or lip wound site to numb the area and ease discomfort.

Keeping up with the post-surgery exercises is important. This will ensure that the released tissue doesn’t reattach during the healing process. Reattachment can lead to the return of tongue-tie symptoms, such as difficulty with breastfeeding or chewing food.

Seeing an experienced practitioner such as Hamilton Mountain Dental Group, who is trained in the most current techniques, is critical to ensure the best possible outcome for your child. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!