If a tongue-tie is not treated, it can cause a variety of issues. With a tongue-tie, the connection between the tongue and the floor of the mouth is too tight, causing difficulty with eating, speaking, and swallowing.
In some cases, the tongue-tie can restrict the range of motion of the tongue and the size of the tongue tip. If left untreated, it can lead to dental issues, speech impediments, problems with nutrition, and even cause negative psychological effects due to the social stigma associated with it.
Additionally, a tongue-tie can interfere with breastfeeding and contribute to breastfeeding difficulties. If the tongue-tie is not treated, it can lead to poor dental hygiene, gingivitis, and even periodontitis.
Over time, the teeth may become crooked and bite pressures may increase, affecting jaw alignment. Speech problems such as lisping and articulation issues may also arise if a tongue-tie is not treated.
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Is it OK to leave a tongue-tie?
It depends on the individual situation. A tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue of the tongue connect to the bottom of the mouth, restricting the movement of the tongue.
In some cases, leaving a tongue-tie can limit the ability to eat and speak. On the other hand, it is not always necessary to treat a tongue-tie in order to eliminate any problems.
When considering whether or not to leave a tongue-tie, it is important to assess the individual situation. If there are signs that the tongue-tie is causing difficulty in speech, eating, or suckling, then it may be beneficial to have it treated by a specialist.
However, if there are no apparent negative impacts from the tongue-tie, then it is OK to leave it.
Before making a final decision, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of leaving a tongue-tie versus having it treated. Doing so can help to ensure that the best possible decision is made for the individual situation.
Can tongue-tie be left alone?
Yes, tongue-tie can be left alone and most babies with sufficient feeding skills can self correct by their first birthday. However, if the tongue-tie is significant and is causing a child distress when feeding or other difficulty, then an assessment of a qualified practitioner may be necessary.
If a practitioner identifies a tongue-tie, then the decision on whether to proceed with a procedure to release the tie is often affected by the severity of the case, the presence of other medical conditions, or the age and development of the child.
In some cases, where the tie is not causing any problems, the practitioner may recommend that it be ‘left alone’. In cases where the tie could cause feeding difficulties or other issues, such as restricted speech development, then the decision might be made to proceed with the procedure to release the tie.
The most common procedure to release a tongue-tie is a frenotomy, which involves snipping the lingual frenulum. In some cases, the lingual frenulum will grow back, though not always. If the tie does reattach, then the procedure can be done again.
Sometimes, a different procedure such as a frenuloplasty might be recommended.
Whether or not to have a procedure to release tongue-tie is a personal decision that needs to be made by considering a number of factors. If the tongue-tie is causing distress or difficulty and the treatment is believed to likely benefit the child, then pursuing a procedure to release it is often recommended.
Do tongue ties need to be released?
Yes, in some cases, tongue ties need to be released. A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue underneath the tongue is too tight, restricting movement and function of the tongue.
This can cause a variety of problems such as difficulty breastfeeding, speech problems, and oral hygiene issues. Tongue ties can be treated in several ways, including exercises, massage, and surgery.
Before considering any of these treatments, it is important to have an assessment done by an experienced professional. In some cases, the tongue tie may not need to be released, but for those that do, the procedure is relatively simple and often done in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia.
After the procedure, a person may experience some mild pain and swelling, but this should subside in a few days, and the tongue should begin to move and function more normally.
How do you fix a tongue-tie naturally?
Tongue-tie (also known as ankyloglossia) is a condition in which the tongue is limited in movement, due to a shortening or tightening of the strip of tissue (frenulum) that connects the underside of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth.
While the condition often resolves on its own, there are some natural steps that can be taken to help with the healing process.
The first step is to increase the stretching and massaging of the tongue. This is best done by placing a clean finger between the area of the frenulum and the bottom of the tongue and then gently applying pressure.
This pressure should be maintained while moving the tongue up and down, as well as in a circular motion. Doing this multiple times throughout the day can help to reduce the tightness of the frenulum, as well as increase tongue mobility.
The second step is to practice tongue exercises. Affirmations and vocalizing can help to release stress and tension in the groove of the tongue, which improves mobility and movement. In addition, practicing activities such as sticking out and curling the tongue, extending the tongue downward, as well as pressing and releasing the tongue against a spoon, can all help to strengthen the muscles.
Finally, it is important to ensure that tongue-tie is not aggravated by poor oral hygiene. Check to make sure that the mouth and teeth are properly cleaned, and that food and debris are not constantly accumulating around the area of the frenulum.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to increased bacteria buildup, which can exacerbate the symptoms of the tongue-tie.
While a tongue-tie can be frustrating and painful, these natural remedies and practices can help to reduce the severity of the condition and also improve tongue mobility. By allowing for adequate healing time and consistently engaging in tongue exercises, tongue-tie can be managed more effectively and resolved more naturally.
Why would you not cut a tongue-tie?
It’s important to note that you should never attempt to cut a tongue-tie on your own, as it could result in serious, irreversible damage to the infant. Cutting or clipping a tongue-tie without proper training can be dangerous and can even cause bleeding.
It’s also important to consider that tongue-tie may not be the cause of breastfeeding difficulties, so cutting it may not provide any relief. It’s important to have the baby evaluated and diagnoses by a healthcare provider first to determine the cause of the problem before making any decisions about treatments.
In some cases, tongue-tie can lead to long-term oral health and feeding issues, and the baby may require special treatment or surgery to correct the problem. If a healthcare provider determines that the baby needs to have a tongue-tie clipped, it’s important that the procedure is done by an experienced professional, preferably a pediatrician.
Considering all of these factors, it’s generally not recommended that a tongue-tie is cut on its own. Doing so could cause serious, long-term problems for the infant, and it’s difficult to predict the outcome of the procedure.
It’s always best to consult with a pediatrician or other healthcare provider to determine if a tongue-tie needs to be cut and to ensure the safest possible procedure if it is to be done.
Can you get a tongue-tie cut at any age?
Yes, it is possible to get a tongue-tie cut at any age. A tongue-tie is a condition where the tissue under the tongue (frenulum) is too short, restricting the tongue’s range of motion. Generally, the tongue-tie can be divided with a simple procedure (often referred to as a frenectomy or tongue-tie release) which releases the tightness, allowing the tongue better range of movement.
The procedure can be performed on infants as young as a few days old as well as adults of any age.
It is important to note that not everyone needs a tongue-tie release procedure. If the tongue-tie does not cause any difficulties in feeding, speaking and tongue movement, it does not need to be treated.
It’s strongly recommended that frenectomies should be done only when it’s necessary, as excessive release of tissue can cause other problems.
If you feel that you might need to get a tongue-tie release but are unsure, it is highly advised to consult a doctor for a professional opinion. They will determine whether or not a tongue-tie is causing or likely to cause difficulties, and can discuss potential options and techniques for managing any difficulties they identify.
Can a tongue-tie get worse over time?
Yes, a tongue-tie can get worse over time, particularly when it is left untreated. As time passes, the tissue under the tongue and around the edges of the tongue may become thicker and tighter. This can lead to more difficulty in speech, difficulty with eating, and a decrease in range of motion of the tongue.
It can also cause discomfort and pain when sticking the tongue out or moving it in different ways. Additionally, if left untreated, the tongue-tie can cause problems with oral hygiene and the development of the teeth.
For example, the limited mobility of the tongue can make it hard to brush properly, leading to an increase in plaque, tartar, and cavities. Therefore, if you think you or a loved one has a tongue-tie, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment in order to avoid any potential long-term complications.
Should I get my child’s tongue-tie clipped?
Whether or not to pursue tongue-tie clipping for your child is a decision that should be made between you and your child’s primary healthcare provider. Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition where the tongue’s lingual frenulum, the membrane connecting the floor of the mouth to the underside of the tongue, is shorter or tighter than average.
It can sometimes cause difficulties with breastfeeding or speech articulation.
If you think your child may have tongue-tie, it’s best to talk to your doctor or pediatrician directly to discuss the possible benefits and risks of treatment. Potential benefits of tongue-tie clipping include improved feeding, improved speech articulation, and improved dental health.
Potential risks may include reactions to local anesthesia, infection, and pain or discomfort as the child recovers.
It’s important to also consider that not all tongue-ties require clipping and that many of the problems associated with it can be managed without surgery. Your doctor may recommend different strategies such as speech therapy or changing your breastfeeding technique to help your child.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue tongue-tie clipping rests on your doctor’s judgment and whether your child’s particular condition warrants the procedure.
Can babies grow out of tongue-tie?
Yes, babies can grow out of tongue-tie. Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the thin piece of tissue, called the frenulum, that connects the baby’s tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short.
This can cause issues with eating, talking and gaining proper nutrition. Most babies who are born with tongue-tie will outgrow it as they start to form teeth and gain more muscle control as they mature.
If the baby is having trouble breastfeeding, it is possible to correct the tongue-tie before the baby outgrows it. Such as snipping it with a pair of sterile scissors. This procedure does not require a general anesthetic and can be done quickly in a medical office.
If a frenuloplasty is done in time, the baby can relearn normal tongue movement and be able to feed normally. Other treatments, such as speech therapy, are also available for babies who may have lingering problems due to tongue-tie.
When should tongue-tie be corrected?
Tongue-tie should be corrected when it is causing difficulties with a baby’s ability to feed. This could include poor latching or slow weight gain, difficulties in transferring milk from the breast or bottle, frustration or refusal to continue breastfeeding, clicking and smacking sounds during feeds, or even excessive pain.
It can also be corrected if it is causing problems speaking later in life, such as difficulty forming certain sounds or speech impediments.
Tongue-tie can present itself in different levels of severity, so a professional assessment is recommended to ensure any recommended correction is tailored to the individual. In most cases, the procedure required to correct the tongue-tie is a relatively quick and easy one and can be performed as early as a few days after birth.
However, before deciding to proceed, the risks and reduction of risks associated with the procedure should be considered and discussed with a doctor, midwife, lactation consultant and other health care professionals who have experience working with babies with tongue-tie.
How long do you have after tongue-tie?
It is important to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider in the wake of a tongue-tie diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the severity of the tongue-tie and the particular protocols of your healthcare provider, you may have shorter or longer recovery times.
Generally, you can expect to follow up with your healthcare provider within 1-2 weeks after receiving a tongue-tie treatment. During this period, you will likely be advised to perform speech and/or swallow therapy to ensure that the affected area is healing properly.
Unfortunately, there is not a definitive answer as to how long it will take to heal and recover from tongue-tie as it varies from infant to infant, and can even depend on follow-up care. After healing from the initial procedure, you may have untwisted areas or scar tissue that can cause problems with feeding and speaking that could require further treatments.
Additionally, further follow-up care may be recommended for long-term success in speech and feeding outcomes.
Are tongue-ties overdiagnosed?
The short answer is that there may be some instances of tongue-ties (or ankyloglossia) being overdiagnosed. While not always easy to diagnose, it is important to ensure that the diagnosis is accurate and that should be done through a thorough evaluation by a medical professional.
Tongue-tie occurs when the thin piece of skin connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, thick, or tight. This can limit the mobility of the tongue and can lead to difficulty with activities such as breastfeeding, speaking, eating, and drinking.
When diagnosing tongue-tie, a healthcare provider may take into account signs and symptoms like difficulty latching onto a breast (for breastfed babies), poor suck, or clicking sounds when the baby nurses.
It is also possible for infants to have misdiagnosed tongue-ties due to the fact that sometimes the signs and symptoms are related to other underlying issues, such as reflux or allergies.
The only way to accurately diagnose a tongue-tie is to physically assess the affected infant. This should include a physical exam of the tongue, along with a review of the infant’s history. The healthcare provider should also observe how the baby is able to move their tongue, how the baby feeds, and their vocalizations.
A laser or scissors might also be used if the healthcare provider confirms that the baby is tongue-tied.
Overall, while tongue-ties may be overdiagnosed, it is important to ensure that a thorough evaluation and assessment is performed in order to get an accurate diagnosis. Ultimately, only then can parents and healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding the best course of treatment for their infant.
Why is tongue-tie so common now?
Tongue-tie is a condition that is now becoming more common due to the rise in the cesarean section rate. Cesarean delivery is an abdominal delivery, which leaves the newborn exposed to potential cord and tongue constrictions for longer.
In addition, more mothers are using epidurals during labor which can also cause a decrease in the newborn’s ability to move and extend the tongue, and lead to tongue-tie.
There is some evidence that genetics also play a role in tongue-tie, as the condition can be seen in multiple generations of the same family, with the same characteristics. It is not known whether or not certain ethnic or racial groups have a greater likelihood of developing tongue-tie, but research is ongoing.
In addition, there has been a shift in the medical approach to the prevention and treatment of tongue-tie. Since the early 2000s, medical professionals have become more aware of tongue-tie, recognizing that it can cause difficulties in eating, speaking, and breathing.
In some cases, mild tongue-tie can cause difficulty in these areas, leading to deformities of the mouth, as well as dental, speech, and respiratory issues. With this increased awareness and better understanding,Early diagnosis and intervention is now more common, and consequently, tongue-tie is now more widely identified and treated.
