Tongue Tie
Approximately 8-10% of children are born with some degree of frenulum restriction, also known as a tongue-tie or lip-tie. In reality every individual has a frenum, which is the webbed tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the upper gums.
What is a Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)?
A tongue tie is an unusually short, thick or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) that tethers the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth. It is a very common condition which is present at birth restricts the tongue’s movement. Tongue-ties aren’t always easy to see and identify as they are sometimes submucosal or posterior. It is very important to have an evaluation by a pediatric dentist who specializes in laser frenectomy.
Tongue restriction can result in a poor latch, complications with breastfeeding and symptoms for the mother as well. In addition, tongue-ties have been linked to other issues during child development from infancy to adulthood.
What is Lip-Tie (Labial Frenulum)?
A lip tie is when the frenulum that attaches the lip to the gums is causing restriction in the range of motion and lip strength. The restriction, if left untreated, will impact bottle or breastfeeding as the baby swallows more air resulting in reflux, gassiness, and colicky. A lip-tie has been shown to impact the development of a child through adulthood.
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