Published on October 3, 2022, Updated on October 3, 2022
When a baby has a tongue-tie, it might hinder them from receiving the proper nourishment, and it can cause developmental issues. If this treatment is skipped, your child may develop airway difficulties that require a more sophisticated myofunctional surgery to correct. Approximately 4% to 11% of babies and infants may have tongue-tie. Up to 25% of infants may have some level of tissue behind the tongue, but not every infant requires corrective surgery or therapy. See about Ankyloglossia.
It is easy to determine if your newborn or toddler has a tongue-tie. The following are some frequent indicators that your infant may have this condition.
Pain During and After Breastfeeding
When breastfeeding causes pain, this is a definite indication that something is wrong. It is typically difficult for infants with tongue-tie to latch since it is tough for them to move their tongues appropriately. Ineffective latching and feeding can lead to cracked nipples and engorged breasts, which can result in mastitis.
Clicking Noise When Feeding
An infant with a tongue-tie will be unable to effectively seal around the breast, resulting in clicking noises as the suction continuously breaks. Sometimes a click is natural and does not indicate a problem, but if it causes discomfort, pain, or if the newborn is not gaining weight as planned, it may be a sign that the infant has tongue-tie.
Poor Weight Gain
The inability of your child to nurse adequately may be the result of movement issues caused by tongue-ties. In addition, if the mother cannot produce enough breast milk, a baby with tongue-tie may have difficulty gaining weight.
Irritability or Colic
When a baby is gassy and cranky, it is likely that he or she has a tongue-tie. This is because a baby with a tongue-tie has difficulty establishing a good seal around the breast; as a result, excessive air intake during feeding causes gassiness.
Recurring Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection or inflammation of the breast that impairs a mother’s ability to produce milk. When a newborn suffers tongue-tie, recurrent mastitis is a concern because the infant cannot empty the breast enough. This can develop in mastitis due to milk stagnation and increased pressure in the duct and lobe system of the breast.
High, Narrow Palate
A tongue that functions normally rests on the roof of the mouth while the mouth is closed, which aids in the formation of the correct shape of the palate. A tongue-tie prevents the tongue from resting on the palate, causing it to assume an elongated and erect posture.
Recessed Chin
Having a sunken chin is a typical indication of tongue-tie in infants, however some infants will have this owing to genetics even if they do not have tongue-tie.
For many parents, the ability to breastfeed is an essential part of being a mother; therefore, it is crucial to perform a thorough examination to determine if your child has a tongue-tie. Please call our dental office immediately if you feel that your infant has this condition.