It can be stressful to see your child struggling to feed or speak properly – especially if you’re unsure why.
Tongue tie could be the reason for this – but what does tongue tie look like? And how is it treated?
Our specialist team has produced this helpful guide to help you spot the signs of tongue tie and the treatments available for it.
What is tongue tie?
Tongue tie, scientifically known as Ankyloglossia, is a common condition that affects 1 in 10 babies. It involves the tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth (lingual frenulum) being shorter or tighter than it should be.
As a result, tongue tie can restrict the functioning of your little one’s tongue, causing issues when feeding, and preventing them from getting the nutrients they need.
What causes tongue tie?
This condition is congenital, meaning babies are born with tongue tie and don’t develop it after birth. But what causes it?
There are two potential causes of tongue tie, although why they occur is unknown:
- The frenum tissue formed too tight or short
- The frenum didn’t move towards the back of the tongue during development and is still connected to the tip of the tongue
There’s evidence suggesting that Ankyloglossia is a genetic condition passed on in families.
How to tell if your little one is tongue-tied?
Several key signs may indicate whether your child has tongue tie – this is how the condition may present itself in babies and children:
Tongue tie symptoms in babies
- Problems with bottle and breastfeeding – babies with tongue tie often:
- lose their latch when breastfeeding
- make a clicking sound when feeding from a bottle
- dribble whilst being fed
- only take small amounts of milk whilst feeding
- mothers may also experience pain during breastfeeding, which could be another indication
- Not gaining weight, or losing weight
- Difficulty lifting the tongue, sticking it out, or moving it side to side
- Tongue appears heart-shaped
Tongue tie symptoms in children
- Struggling with speech and eating
- Difficulty sticking tongue out
- Struggling to lick ice cream cones
How is tongue tie treated?
If you think your baby has tongue tie, don’t worry – there are effective ways to treat this issue.
Treatment for babies up to 4 weeks old who are struggling with tongue tie can be treated at our practice for a small medical procedure to cut the tissue between the tongue and the bottom of the mouth. This lengthens the frenum, freeing the tongue.
Or if your child is older, they will be required to be sedated with general anaesthetic as the tissue may be much thicker and require a small surgery, which can only be carried out within a hospital environment.
Book a tongue tie consultation today
If you’re still finding yourself asking, ‘What does tongue tie look like?’, or you’re certain your baby has tongue tie, we can help here at Sovereign House.
During a consultation at our tongue tie clinic, we’ll complete an initial assessment and explain our findings, all while keeping your baby as calm and comfortable as possible.
Our highly-qualified professionals will then offer tailored advice, and answer any questions you may have going forward.
To find out more, or to book a tongue tie consultation, please call us on 0127 720 5605 or message us using our easy online form, and we’ll be in touch asap.
