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Tongue Tie

What is “Tongue Tie”
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, exists when the thin piece of flesh that connects the floor of the mouth to the underside of the tongue is too thick or too tight. This membrane is called the tongue’s frenulum. When the tissue under the tongue is too tight, it can restrict the mobility of the tongue. This may affect various aspects of a person’s life, but initially has the potential to cause nursing problems.

Is my baby tongue tied? If your child is tongue tied call Dr. Parker at 905-632-2442

When a baby has a tight frenulum, or “tongue tie”, it may restrict the mobility of the tongue and cause the baby breastfeeding problems. This is because the tongue experiences issues getting under the nipple to maintain a good latch. A physician, pediatrician, or lactation consultant can detect the problem and suggest treatment for the tongue tie. Tongue tie treatment is most commonly performed by a dentist. Without treatment, there is a risk of unsuccessful nursing, and the patient may experience speech problems later in life.

 

How do I diagnose “Tongue Tie”?
There are many possible ways to diagnose a potential tongue tie. You can verify with breastfeeding issues or through diagnosis by a trained professional, such as your family physician or family dentist in Burlington at Maple Mews Dental Office.
It is important to track certain factors when breastfeeding such as whether the nursing is comfortable for you as a mother, and whether the baby is getting enough to eat.

Some symptoms for infants and mothers may include:

  • Poor latch
  • Baby slides off nipple while trying to breastfeed
  • Baby falls asleep while trying to latch
  • Colic symptoms
  • Baby has poor weight gain
  • Continuous feedings
  • Baby chews on nipple
  • Mother’s nipple bleeds and or has cracks and/or blisters
  • Mother develops nipple thrush
  • Baby is unable to take a bottle or pacifier

Tongue Tie Treatment & Procedure
During the treatment, it may be necessary for your infant to be swaddled. The procedure itself involves “snipping” the frenulum to release the tongue tie. This very quick procedure is performed by Dr. Parker and her dental team. Following the procedure with Dr Tracy Parker, we will ask that the mother breastfeed the infant.

The procedure may result in minor bleeding, Dr Parker will monitor the healing process and success of the treatment. After one week, a follow up appointment is recommended by our office.

At Maple Mews Dental we provide you and your family treatment for a variety of oral care issues that may occur. Like with any procedure , a consultation is recommended to discuss the best treatment option for you and your child.