Tongue Tie

What is tongue-tie or ankyloglossia?

Tongue-tie is a condition present in 5%-10% of newborn babies at birth. In this, a band of tissue called frenulum is shorter than usual. This leads to in some babies tip of the tongue is more attached to the floor of the mouth.

When is tongue-tie a problem?

When a baby is breastfeeding he or she has to catch on to the nipple and cover the gums to avoid trauma to the nipple. If a baby has tongue-tie, it may take longer to feed, leaving them hungry and unsettled. This can also lead to sore nipples.

Is tongue-tie hereditary?

Tongue-tie can run in families and is more common in boys.

Do we need to treat all tongue-tie?

Not all tongue tie cases need treatment — most of the babies' tongue-tie stretch with time.

In babies, if there are feeding and breastfeeding problem, leading to growth delay, surgery may be required. In younger babies, it can be done with or without local anaesthesia.

In older children, it can lead to speech problem, i.e. pronunciation of words. In some cases, it may be identified when it interferes with braces.

Are there any other types of tongue-tie?

In some babies, the upper lip is attached with a shorter band to the gums.

What are potential complications of tongue tie surgery?

Tongue-tie procedure is considered very safe. In rare cases, it can cause, discomfort, minor bleeding, damage to salivary ducts. In some circumstances, it not advisable to have tongue-tie released. It is essential to discuss with your treating clinician if the release of tongue-tie can make breathing worse by releasing the tongue to fall back.

What to expect after tongue tie surgery?

Immediately post-op you tend to see white healing tissue under the tongue for a few days. Breastfeeding should improve quick post-op. In older children, once the tongue-tie release has been performed, they may need support form speech and language therapist with the pronunciation.

Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon

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Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant.

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