In tongue-tie, the tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too short. This problem often runs in families.
Your child may not be able to fully move their tongue. But this may not cause problems. In some cases, the tissue stretches as the child grows. Or your child may adapt to less tongue movement.
Some children have trouble latching while breastfeeding. They may have speech and social problems. If symptoms are bad enough, surgery may be needed to release the tissue.
Tongue-tie is when the tissue that attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is too short.
Many children with tongue-tie do not have symptoms. Symptoms of tongue-tie may include:
Many children with tongue-tie adapt to the condition or their lingual frenulum stretches as they grow.
Surgery may be needed if a child has problems caused by the condition that don't get better with other treatments.
Many children with tongue-tie don't have symptoms. The tissue either stretches as the child grows, or the child adapts to the tongue restriction. But some children may have:
If your baby has tongue-tie and is feeding okay, you may choose to wait and see if their lingual frenulum stretches on its own. You can also:
If tongue-tie causes problems with eating, speech, or social interactions, the doctor may release the tissue. This procedure is called a frenotomy or a frenuloplasty. The doctor clips the lingual frenulum and closes the wound with stitches. The doctor may teach your child how to do tongue exercises. These can help with tongue movement.
Your doctor will do a physical exam of your child's mouth and ask about any symptoms. If you are trying to breastfeed, your doctor may also examine your breasts and watch your child trying to breastfeed. In an older child or adult, the doctor may check the shape and movements of the tongue.
A lactation consultant can help with breastfeeding problems. A speech therapist can help if your child has problems with speech.
If your child has their tongue-tie released, try comforting them with cuddling and plenty of time together. Give medicines as needed, and follow all instructions. Tongue exercises may help improve tongue movement.
The cause of tongue-tie isn't always known. It can run in families or may occur in babies who have other problems that affect the mouth or face, such as cleft palate.
In tongue-tie, the lingual frenulum is shorter than usual. This may result in limited tongue movement. Babies with tongue-tie may have feeding problems.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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