Some newborn babies are diagnosed with a condition called ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) if they experience difficulty breastfeeding. But how common is ankyloglossia? In this article, we will answer this question, explain the condition, and discuss methods used in tongue-tie treatment.
How Common is Ankyloglossia?
According to studies, ankyloglossia occurs in approximately 1% to 11% of newborn children. Also, tongue-tie is more common in children assigned to the male gender at birth. The condition is usually not a cause for concern, as the issue can be easily solved in most cases. However, it is essential to seek professional advice and treatment as soon as you notice the problem because it can cause significant difficulties in breastfeeding. Remember that such issues are common, and modern medical care offers multiple methods of solving them.
What is Ankyloglossia?
Another name for ankyloglossia is tongue-tie. It is a condition that is signified by the difficulty moving the tongue. Ankyloglossia occurs when the tongue is connected to the floor of the mouth by a fold of tissue—lingual frenulum. In fact, all children have a lingual frenulum, and it is harmless in early childhood. However, in cases when the fold is either excessively tight or short, it can make it challenging for a child to move their tongue freely.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent ankyloglossia because it is congenital. Currently, research suggests that this condition has a genetic component, meaning that it is passed down from the ancestors of a child.
The Symptoms of Ankyloglossia
One of the physiological signs of ankyloglossia is when the tongue of a baby seems heart-shaped or has a notch in it. However, in other cases, physiological symptoms of tongue-tie might be hard to notice. Other symptoms of tongue-tie might include:
- The baby cries when trying to latch onto the breast because they can not do it properly or at all.
- The baby is gaining weight slowly and wants to eat frequently. This might signify that they find transferring milk when breastfeeding challenging.
- You do not hear your baby swallow when breastfeeding.
The mother can notice the following symptoms:
- Sore nipples
- Cracked skin on the nipples
- Pain when breastfeeding
- Insufficient amount of milk
Remember that the symptoms listed above might indicate other issues, not tongue-tie. Thus, always see your pediatric doctor for a comprehensive exam and an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
When it comes to bottle feeding, babies with ankyloglossia rarely experience any difficulties. The reason for this is that the tongue of a baby moves differently when getting milk from a bottle than when breastfeeding. In cases when your baby finds feeding from a bottle challenging due to tongue-tie, the bottle’s nipple can be modified by your lactation consultant. If this does not help, it can signify that there might be other reasons for the issue apart from ankyloglossia.
Treatment Methods of Ankyloglossia
Some parents choose a noninvasive method of helping the baby with the correct position and latch when breastfeeding. Your lactation consultant can help you learn the proper methods and support you until you achieve the desired results.
Another method of dealing with ankyloglossia is an in-office procedure called frenotomy. This quick and routine surgery involves clipping a child’s lingual frenulum. It is typically recommended when changing the position of the baby during breastfeeding does not help. The procedure allows the baby to move the tongue freely.
Before recommending frenotomy, your pediatric doctor will exclude other possible causes of the breastfeeding issue to ensure that the procedure is necessary. In most cases, frenotomy is done in the first one or two months of the child’s life, thus helping the child acquire proper and effective breastfeeding habits from the very beginning.
A frenotomy is safe in most cases and does not cause any side effects, complications, or risks. Sometimes, a child might experience the following symptoms after the procedure:
- Bleeding that typically goes away soon after the procedure
- Infection if the surgery site is not taken care of properly
- Scarring
- Aversion to feeding
- Injury of the saliva ducts
Make an Appointment Today
If your child has been diagnosed with tongue-tie, do not hesitate to make an appointment for a safe and stress-free frenectomy in Glendora. This quick and safe procedure can dramatically improve a child’s ability to breastfeed, help form proper feeding habits, and make breastfeeding more comfortable for the mother. We look forward to welcoming you and your baby to Glendora Family Dentistry.
