Tongue tie is when the bottom of the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth. When a child is tongue-tied, they have a short or tight frenulum, which is the tiny piece of skin that connects the bottom jaw to the lower lip.
A very common problem for babies, tongue tie makes it difficult for the tip of the tongue to move freely and often interferes with the baby’s ability to latch, breastfeed, and nurse. Mobility of the front of the tongue is also important for functions like speech and maintenance of oral hygiene. The cause of tongue tie is unknown, although experts believe that genetics might have a role.
The symptoms of tongue tie are similar to a newborn who struggles with breastfeeding:
For babies with tongue tie, frenotomy is a very effective solution. Frenotomy, or tongue tie release, is a minimally invasive surgery that cuts the lingual frenulum. During this procedure, the tongue is held up toward the roof of the mouth, making it very tight and thin. Your Ogden Clinic provider then cuts the skin that releases the tongue and makes it easier for the baby to breastfeed or nurse. The tiny cut only takes a second or two, and usually takes one fast motion on the doctor’s part. Little to no bleeding occurs because blood vessels are cauterized during the process of cutting the skin. When it comes to pain, most babies feel fine after they leave the office and do not require any treatment for pain. Your provider may demonstrate a finger massage that can be done at home to ensure proper healing after the frenotomy appointment.
The baby's tongue moves much more freely immediately after the procedure is completed. Breastfeeding or bottle feeding becomes much easier for the baby when the tongue is no longer tied, allowing them to latch more efficiently and intake enough nutrition at each feeding.