tongue Ties
What are Tongue Ties?
A tongue tie occurs when the thin membrane underneath one’s tongue restricts its movement. This thin membrane is also known as the lingual frenulum or ankyloglossia. Approximately 3-15% of babies are negatively affected by a tight frenum and are unable to move their tongues freely. This type of restriction affects their ability to breastfeed and latch correctly and can cause nipple pain and trauma, decreased milk intake and eventually a decline of supply. In children a tongue tie can contribute to eating difficulties, speech difficulties and breathing difficulties and in adults it can cause speech difficulties, breathing difficulties, TMJ pain, neck and shoulder pain and headaches.
In older children symptoms of a tongue tie include:
Speech delay
Trouble sleeping
Behavioral issues
Multiple cavities
Digestive difficulty
Enlarged tonsils
Tiring easily while speaking or reading aloud
Insufficient development of the palate
What are Lip Ties?
A lip tie occurs when the tissue attached the upper lip to the upper gums is too tight. This tight membrane is also known as the labial frenum. Babies with a lip tie have a difficult time flanging their lips to generate the negative pressure needed for breastfeeding. When this occurs, they take in excess air during breastfeeding and become gassy and fussy. A lip tie can also contribute to early childhood caries
What is a buccal tie?
A buccal tie occurs when the tissue attached from the gums to the inside of the cheeks is abnormally tight. A buccal tie can restrict a baby’s ability to create a good latch during breastfeeding. Like a lip tie, a buccal tie can also create plaque accumulation and can create caries
Image Source: blog.fauquierent.net
Signs and symptoms in infants
Sliding off breast when latching/feeding
Falling asleep while nursing
Upper lip curls inward when latched
Mouth open at rest
Gumming/chewing nipple
Clicking sounds while nursing
Milk leaking from mouth while feeding
Unable to hold pacifier in mouth
Colic symptoms/reflux/spitting up
Gagging/choking while eating
Slow/poor weight gain
Breathing sounds (snoring, snorting)
Lip blisters
Signs and symptoms in mothers
Nipple pain
Lipstick shaped, creased, bleeding nipples
Low milk supply
Mastitis
Diagnosis of lip & tongue ties
The diagnosis is multifactorial. Many babies can exhibit what appears to be a lip and tongue tie clinically but what truly makes it tied is if movement is restricted and is based upon a functional limitation.
Treatment
A frenectomy is the term used to release the frenulum. East Bay Tongue Tie Center uses the most advanced dental laser technology to make sure your child is comfortable and safe during the procedure.
If left untreated a tie can cause the following issues:
Airway
Speech
GI
Orthodontic
Increased risk of dental decay