Is My Baby Tongue-Tied? Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Help
For parents in Eagle and across the Treasure Valley, the early days with a new baby are precious but can also be filled with questions and concerns, especially around feeding. If breastfeeding is painful, or your baby seems constantly fussy and isn’t gaining weight as expected, you might be dealing with a common but often overlooked condition: ankyloglossia, more commonly known as a tongue-tie. This condition can create significant challenges for both mother and baby, but the good news is that effective, compassionate solutions are available right here in our community.
What Exactly Is an Infant Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie is a congenital condition where the lingual frenulum—the small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is unusually short, tight, or thick. This restriction can limit the tongue’s range of motion, which is crucial for successful breastfeeding, and later, for proper speech development and eating solid foods.
Tongue-ties can present in different ways, from a very obvious, heart-shaped tongue tip to a less visible “posterior” tie that tethers the back of the tongue. Regardless of the type, the key factor is not just how it looks, but how it impacts function.
How a Tongue-Tie Affects Your Baby (and You)
A restricted tongue can’t move in the wave-like motion needed to efficiently extract milk from the breast. This can lead to a cascade of issues for both members of the nursing pair.
Common Signs in Infants:
- Difficulty latching or maintaining a deep latch.
- Clicking sounds while nursing.
- Poor weight gain or ‘failure to thrive’.
- Excessive fussiness, colic, or reflux symptoms from swallowing air.
- Falling asleep frequently at the breast or very long feeding sessions.
- A heart-shaped or notched tongue when they cry or try to stick it out.
Common Signs for Breastfeeding Mothers:
- Significant nipple pain, cracking, or bleeding.
- Nipples that look flattened or lipstick-shaped after nursing.
- Low milk supply due to ineffective milk removal.
- Recurrent plugged ducts or mastitis.
- Feelings of frustration, stress, or wanting to give up breastfeeding.
The Path to Diagnosis and Treatment in Eagle
Navigating a potential tongue-tie diagnosis can feel overwhelming. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we provide a clear, supportive path from initial evaluation to comprehensive aftercare.
Step 1: Comprehensive Professional Evaluation
The first step is a thorough assessment by a trained professional. A diagnosis isn’t just about looking at the frenulum; it involves evaluating the tongue’s function and how it impacts feeding. Our team of specialists performs comprehensive airway and orofacial evaluations to understand the full picture of your child’s oral function.
Step 2: The Infant Tongue-Tie Release Procedure (Frenotomy)
If a restrictive tongue-tie is diagnosed, a simple in-office procedure called a frenotomy may be recommended. We utilize a state-of-the-art soft tissue laser for the infant tongue-tie release. This method is exceptionally precise, minimizes bleeding, and reduces discomfort for the baby. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes, and infants can often feed immediately afterward.
Step 3: The Importance of a Holistic Aftercare Plan
Releasing the tight tissue is just the beginning. The key to long-term success lies in teaching the baby how to use their newly freed tongue. Without proper follow-up, the tissue can reattach, or the baby may continue old, ineffective feeding patterns. This is where our integrated approach makes all the difference.
An effective aftercare plan is crucial and may include:
- Lactation Support: Our consultants help retrain your baby for a better latch and make breastfeeding comfortable and effective post-procedure.
- Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT): Gentle exercises and therapy help retrain the muscles of the mouth and tongue, establishing correct patterns for swallowing and resting posture.
- Craniosacral Therapy: This gentle, hands-on therapy can help release tension in the baby’s head, neck, and jaw that may have developed from a difficult birth or from compensating for a tongue-tie.
- Feeding Therapy: For babies who continue to struggle with feeding, our specialists provide targeted support to ensure healthy development.
Did You Know? Quick Facts About Tongue-Tie
- Tongue-tie is estimated to affect up to 10% of newborns and often runs in families.
- While it’s most discussed in relation to breastfeeding, a restrictive tongue-tie can also impact bottle-feeding, and later, the ability to chew solid foods.
- If left untreated, a significant tongue-tie can contribute to future challenges, such as speech articulation issues, dental problems, and even airway issues like sleep apnea.
Finding Expert, Integrated Care in the Treasure Valley
For parents in Eagle, Boise, Meridian, and Star, the search for answers can be exhausting. Fragmented care, where you have to visit a lactation consultant, a release provider, and a therapist in different locations, adds unnecessary stress. The Center for Orofacial Myology was founded on the principle of integrated, collaborative care. Our multidisciplinary team works together under one roof to provide a seamless experience that addresses the root cause of the issue and supports your child’s whole-body wellness. We believe in empowering parents with the knowledge and support they need to help their children thrive.
Ready to Find Answers for Your Baby?
If you suspect your child has a tongue-tie or are struggling with feeding, don’t wait. Our compassionate team is here to provide clarity and a plan for success. Contact us to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the infant tongue-tie release procedure painful for my baby?
The laser frenotomy is very quick, and since there are few nerve endings in the frenulum, discomfort is minimal. Most babies are fussy for a short period but are soothed by nursing immediately after. We prioritize your baby’s comfort throughout the entire process.
How long is the recovery?
The site of the laser release typically heals within one to two weeks. The functional recovery—learning to use the tongue properly—can take a bit longer, which is why follow-up care with lactation and myofunctional therapy is so important for achieving the best results.
What’s the difference between a laser release and using scissors?
A laser frenotomy cauterizes the tissue as it releases it, which results in minimal to no bleeding and often reduces inflammation. Lasers allow for incredible precision, which is especially important when dealing with the delicate tissues in an infant’s mouth.
My pediatrician said not to worry about my baby’s tongue-tie. Should I get a second opinion?
While some tongue-ties don’t cause issues, many medical professionals have limited training in how tethered oral tissues affect function, especially breastfeeding. If you or your baby are experiencing symptoms, it is always wise to consult with a specialist, like an orofacial myologist or lactation consultant, who is an expert in diagnosing and treating functional issues caused by tongue-ties.
Glossary of Terms
- Ankyloglossia: The medical term for tongue-tie.
- Lingual Frenulum: The small membrane of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- Frenotomy: A simple surgical procedure that involves snipping or releasing a tight frenulum to improve range of motion.
- Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT): A specialized therapy program involving exercises that retrain the muscles of the mouth, face, and tongue to function correctly for activities like breathing, swallowing, and speaking.
- Craniosacral Therapy (CST): A gentle, hands-on technique that uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system to relieve tension.