What is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition where the piece of tissue (the lingual frenulum) under the tongue is shorter or thicker than usual, restricting tongue movement. While it may not always cause issues, it can sometimes interfere with feeding, leading to breastfeeding difficulties.

  • Prevalence: Up to 10% of babies may be affected, with a slightly higher occurrence in boys.
  •  Causes: A tight frenulum restricts the tongue’s movement, ranging from mild cases to more severe ones.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Difficulty lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth or moving it side-to-side.
  • Trouble sticking out the tongue beyond the lower teeth.
  • A heart-shaped or notched appearance when sticking the tongue out.

If your baby experiences feeding difficulties, such as trouble latching, sore nipples, or poor weight gain, tongue-tie may be the cause.

Treatment for Tongue-Tie

Frenulotomy (Frenectomy) Procedure

If your baby has a tongue-tie that is causing feeding issues, a frenulotomy (or frenectomy) can resolve the problem. This procedure involves releasing the tight frenulum and is typically done without anaesthesia.

  • Quick & Minimally Invasive: The procedure takes just a few minutes, and most babies breastfeed immediately after.
  • Minimal Bleeding: Bleeding is usually minimal, and feeding often helps stop it quickly.

After the procedure, your baby will likely resume feeding comfortably and will experience minimal discomfort.

Additional Resources

For further information on tongue-tie and its treatment, we recommend visiting the Association of Tongue Tie Practitioners’ website, which offers helpful resources and images.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

  • Pre-Procedure: Please avoid feeding your baby 2 hours before the appointment to ensure they are ready to breastfeed after the procedure.
  • Procedure: Dr. Khan will gently lift your baby’s tongue to assess the frenulum. Using specialized instruments, the frenulum will be divided, and your baby can often feed immediately.
  • Aftercare: Written aftercare instructions will be provided. Most babies recover quickly, and the risk of complications is minimal.