Understanding Ankyloglossia and Finding Expert Care in the Treasure Valley
For new parents, navigating the challenges of feeding a newborn can be a stressful experience. When breastfeeding is painful or your baby is fussy and struggling to gain weight, it’s natural to feel worried. One common but often overlooked cause of these issues is ankyloglossia, more commonly known as a tongue-tie. Here in Boise, the Center for Orofacial Myology provides a comprehensive, compassionate approach to diagnosing and treating this condition, helping families across the Treasure Valley achieve feeding success and optimal development for their children.
What Exactly is an Infant Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie is a condition present at birth where an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth. This restricted movement can significantly interfere with a baby’s ability to breastfeed effectively. For a successful latch, an infant needs to extend their tongue over the lower gum line, but a restrictive frenulum prevents this full range of motion.
Tongue-ties can vary in severity, from easily visible “anterior” ties near the tip of the tongue to less obvious “posterior” ties hidden under the mucous membrane. Regardless of the type, the key factor is not just how it looks, but how it impacts function.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Tongue-Tie
Tongue-tie can create challenges for both baby and mother. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward getting the right support. You may notice issues in your infant, in yourself, or both.
Symptoms in Your Baby
- Difficulty latching or maintaining a deep latch.
- Clicking or popping sounds while nursing.
- Poor weight gain or slow growth.
- Falling asleep frequently at the breast.
- Appearing constantly hungry or nursing for very long periods.
- Excessive fussiness, colic, or reflux symptoms due to swallowing air.
- A heart-shaped or notched tongue when they try to stick it out.
Symptoms for the Mother
- Significant nipple pain, soreness, or trauma (cracked, bleeding, or blanched nipples).
- Nipples that look flattened or misshapen after feeding.
- Low milk supply due to ineffective milk removal.
- Recurrent plugged ducts or mastitis.
- Feelings of frustration or exhaustion related to breastfeeding challenges.
Beyond Breastfeeding: The Long-Term Impact
While feeding difficulties are the most immediate concern, an untreated tongue-tie can lead to other challenges as a child grows. The tongue plays a vital role in oral development, shaping the palate and guiding the growth of the jaw.
Without proper treatment, a restricted tongue may contribute to:
- Speech Articulation Issues: Difficulty producing sounds that require tongue elevation, like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “s.” This is where specialized speech therapy can be crucial.
- Feeding and Swallowing Problems: Challenges with managing different food textures, leading to picky eating habits or gagging. Our feeding therapy programs address these oral motor skills.
- Dental and Airway Concerns: A low-resting tongue posture can lead to a high, narrow palate, dental crowding, and an increased likelihood of mouth breathing, which is linked to sleep-disordered breathing. Proper airway evaluations can identify these risks early.
The Tongue-Tie Release (Frenotomy): A Gentle Solution
If a tongue-tie is impacting function, a simple procedure called a frenotomy may be recommended. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we perform a gentle laser infant tongue-tie release. This modern approach is precise, minimally invasive, and promotes rapid healing with very little discomfort for your baby.
However, the procedure itself is only one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. True success lies in an integrated approach that prepares the body for the release and retrains muscles afterward. This is why supportive therapies are so critical. Before and after the release, services like Craniosacral Therapy can help release tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders that has built up as a compensation for the restricted tongue. Our expert lactation support team works with you to re-establish a comfortable and effective latch.
Did You Know?
- The mouth heals very quickly. After a frenotomy, you might see a white or yellowish diamond-shaped area under the tongue, which is a normal part of the healing process, similar to a scab.
- A tongue-tie release is not an instant fix. It frees the tongue, but your baby must learn how to use their newfound mobility. This is why post-procedure therapy and exercises are crucial to prevent reattachment and build new muscle memory.
- Simply looking at the frenulum is not enough for a diagnosis. A thorough functional assessment by a trained professional is necessary to determine if a tongue-tie is truly causing feeding problems.
Why Choose the Center for Orofacial Myology in Boise?
For families in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and across the Treasure Valley, finding comprehensive care under one roof is a game-changer. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we provide an integrated, team-based approach. Our specialists—from orofacial myologists and speech therapists to physical therapists and lactation consultants—collaborate to create a holistic treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique needs.
With over 30 years of expertise, our dedicated team understands that a tongue-tie is not just an oral issue; it’s a whole-body issue. We address the root causes of dysfunction to ensure lasting results, better health, and a positive feeding journey for you and your baby.
Ready to Find Answers for Your Family?
If you suspect your baby has a tongue-tie or you are struggling with breastfeeding, don’t wait. Our compassionate team is here to provide clarity, support, and a clear path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the tongue-tie release procedure hurt the baby?
The procedure is very quick, and discomfort is minimal because the frenulum has few nerve endings. Most babies are fussy for only a short time and are comforted by nursing immediately afterward.
How long does the procedure take?
The laser frenotomy itself takes only a few minutes. The preparation and post-procedure care guidance during the appointment will take longer, but the release is very fast.
What is recovery like?
Recovery is typically swift. Your baby can feed immediately after the procedure. You will be given specific aftercare instructions, including gentle stretching exercises, to ensure the tissue doesn’t reattach and to encourage proper tongue movement. Some fussiness is normal for a few days as your baby adjusts.
Why is therapy before and after the procedure so important?
Therapy is essential for optimal results. Pre-release therapy helps prepare the muscles and release compensatory tension in the body. Post-release therapy, including orofacial myofunctional exercises, retrains the brain and tongue to work together in a new, more efficient way. This ensures the full benefits of the release are realized and helps prevent the tissue from reattaching.
Glossary of Terms
- Ankyloglossia: The medical term for tongue-tie.
- Lingual Frenulum: The small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- Frenotomy: A quick surgical procedure to clip or release a restrictive frenulum.
- Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT): A therapeutic program of exercises used to retrain and correct the function of the oral and facial muscles. It’s a key part of ensuring successful outcomes after a tongue-tie release.
- Craniosacral Therapy: A gentle, hands-on technique that helps release tension in the body, particularly in the head, neck, and jaw, often used to complement tongue-tie treatment.