What is a tongue tie?

A tongue tie occurs when the strip of skin under the tongue, known as the lingual frenulum, is shorter than usual, limiting tongue movement.

Can tongue or lip ties affect breastfeeding?

Yes, both conditions can lead to problems with breastfeeding, as they limit the baby's ability to latch onto the breast effectively.

Can a tongue tie affect speech?

Yes, a tongue tie can affect speech development, as it restricts the tongue's range of motion needed for proper articulation.

What are the symptoms of a tongue or lip tie in infants?

Symptoms include poor latch during breastfeeding, poor weight gain, and maternal nipple pain.

Are tongue and lip ties the same?

No, they are not the same but both can affect breastfeeding and speech development.

How are tongue and lip ties treated?

They are typically treated through a minor surgical procedure called a frenectomy, which cuts the restrictive frenulum.

Is the treatment painful?

The frenectomy is a quick procedure and usually involves minimal discomfort for the baby.

What is the main difference between anterior and posterior tongue tie?

Anterior tongue tie occurs at the front of the tongue, visible as a thin piece of skin connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Posterior tongue tie is located further back and is less visible, often requiring manual examination to be identified. It involves a thicker, less apparent band of tissue.

Infant Tongue Tie Assessment

What is a Tongue or Lip Tie?

A tongue or lip tie is a congenital condition where the strip of skin under the baby's tongue (known as the lingual frenulum) or the strip of skin connecting the upper lip to the upper gum (labial frenulum) is shorter than usual. This condition restricts the movement of the tongue or lip, which can lead to challenges in breastfeeding for infants and speech issues as the child grows.

In the case of a tongue tie, the limited range of motion may prevent the baby from latching onto the breast effectively, which can result in poor weight gain and frustration for both mother and baby. Mothers may also experience nipple pain, mastitis, or reduced milk supply due to inefficient nursing. Lip ties can have similar effects, limiting the baby's ability to create a good seal around the nipple.

An assessment typically involves evaluating the baby's tongue and lip movements during breast or bottle feeding, as well as the mother's comfort.

Various grades of tongue and lip ties exist, ranging from mild to severe, based on how much the frenulum restricts movement.

Treatment includes a variety of options, such as therapy or a minor surgical procedure which frees the restricted frenulum.

FAQ

What is a tongue tie?

A tongue tie occurs when the strip of skin under the tongue, known as the lingual frenulum, is shorter than usual, limiting tongue movement.
What is a lip tie?

A lip tie is a condition where the strip of skin connecting the upper lip to the upper gum restricts the lip's movement.
Can tongue or lip ties affect breastfeeding?

Yes, both conditions can lead to problems with breastfeeding, as they limit the baby's ability to latch onto the breast effectively.
Can a tongue tie affect speech?

Yes, a tongue tie can affect speech development, as it restricts the tongue's range of motion needed for proper articulation.
What are the symptoms of a tongue or lip tie in infants?

Symptoms include poor latch during breastfeeding, poor weight gain, and maternal nipple pain.

Are tongue and lip ties the same?

No, they are not the same but both can affect breastfeeding and speech development.
How are tongue and lip ties treated?

They are typically treated through a minor surgical procedure called a frenectomy, which cuts the restrictive frenulum.
Is the treatment painful?

The frenectomy is a quick procedure and usually involves minimal discomfort for the baby.
Are there different grades of tongue and lip ties?

Yes, they range from mild to severe based on how much the frenulum restricts movement.
What is the main difference between anterior and posterior tongue tie?

Anterior tongue tie occurs at the front of the tongue, visible as a thin piece of skin connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Posterior tongue tie is located further back and is less visible, often requiring manual examination to be identified. It involves a thicker, less apparent band of tissue.