
Disclaimer: All information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and belongs to the author, Janet Gold, at Byfleet Care Clinic. This article is intended to support parents by sharing insights into tongue-tie and infant feeding challenges and does not replace professional medical advice. For expert assessment and individualised care.
Introduction to Tongue-Tie:
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is shorter or tighter than normal. This restricts tongue movement, impacting feeding and, in some cases, speech and oral health development. Studies indicate that tongue-tie affects 4-10% of newborns, with higher prevalence among males (Segal et al., 2007). Awareness of the signs and symptoms of tongue-tie is essential for early intervention, as it can significantly impact an infant's feeding ability and overall development.
Common Signs to Look For:
Parents may observe various signs indicating tongue-tie in their newborns. One of the most common indicators is difficulty latching during breastfeeding. Research has shown that infants with tongue-tie often struggle to maintain a deep latch, leading to prolonged feeding times (Messner et al., 2000). Additionally, a clicking sound may be heard during feeding, often due to a shallow latch. This can lead to inadequate milk transfer, resulting in poor weight gain over time. A study by Geddes et al. (2008) found that tongue-tie can also cause maternal nipple pain, as the infant may rely on a less effective latch that leads to friction and discomfort for the mother.
How Tongue-Tie Affects Feeding and Development:
Restricted tongue movement due to tongue-tie can have a significant impact on feeding and early development. Breastfeeding requires coordinated sucking, swallowing, and breathing, which tongue-tie can disrupt. This disruption may cause an infant to use compensatory techniques, increasing the risk of nipple trauma for the mother and making breastfeeding a challenging experience (Srinivasan et al., 2019). Beyond breastfeeding, studies indicate that severe cases of tongue-tie may affect speech development later in childhood. Wallace and Clarke (2006) found that limited tongue mobility can contribute to speech articulation issues as the child grows. Additionally, tongue-tie may cause dental health concerns, such as an increased risk of gaps between teeth or altered jaw development (Kotlow, 2004).
When and Where to Seek Help:
Early assessment and intervention can be beneficial for infants with tongue-tie, especially if feeding issues are apparent. Research supports early intervention as a means to improve feeding success and reduce complications. For instance, an RCT by Buryk et al. (2011) demonstrated that infants who received frenotomy for tongue-tie showed significant improvement in breastfeeding effectiveness compared to those who did not undergo the procedure.
Parents noticing signs of tongue-tie should consider an assessment by a professional trained in infant feeding, such as those at Byfleet Care Clinic. Byfleet Care Clinic uses the Hazelbaker Assessment Tool, which evaluates tongue function and appearance to determine the need for intervention. This thorough assessment helps create a personalized approach to feeding support, ensuring both infant and parent benefit from targeted care.
Laura's Story:
Laura and her newborn were seen by Janet Gold because the baby was experiencing prolonged feedings, nipple pain and weight concerns. After assessment with the Hazelbaker tool at Byfleet Care Clinic, a restricted tongue-tie was identified and subsequently treated. 3 weeks following the procedure, Laura's newborn showed significant improvements in feeding efficiency, and weight gain normalised over the following weeks. Laura also reported nipple pain relief after her newborn's tongue-tie was addressed, allowing for a deeper latch and more comfortable feeding sessions.
(Laura is a pseudonym for a real-life patient. Her email feedback response is available upon request during the consultation)
Conclusion:
Tongue-tie can be a manageable condition with the right support and timely intervention. Early assessment and treatment, like those offered at Byfleet Care Clinic, can provide lasting benefits, ensuring a more comfortable feeding experience for both the infant and parent.
References:
Segal, L. M., Stephenson, R., Dawes, M., & Feldman, P. (2007). Prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of ankyloglossia: Methodologic review. Canadian Family Physician, 53(6), 1027-1033.
Messner, A. H., Lalakea, M. L., Aby, J., Macmahon, J., & Bair, E. (2000). Ankyloglossia: Incidence and associated feeding difficulties. Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 126(1), 36-39.
Geddes, D. T., Langton, D. B., Gollow, I., Jacobs, L. A., Hartmann, P. E., & Simmer, K. (2008). Frenulotomy for breastfeeding infants with ankyloglossia: Effect on milk removal and sucking mechanism as imaged by ultrasound. Pediatrics, 122(1), e188-e194.
Srinivasan, A., Dobrich, C., Mitnick, H., & Feldman, P. (2019). Ankyloglossia and breastfeeding: Position statement. Pediatrics, 144(5), e20193023.
Wallace, H., & Clarke, S. (2006). Tongue tie assessment and division. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 42(1-2), 1-3.
Kotlow, L. (2004). Oral diagnosis of abnormal frenum attachments in neonates and infants. Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, 28(5), 278-281.
Buryk, M., Bloom, D., & Shope, T. (2011). Efficacy of neonatal release of ankyloglossia: A randomized trial. Pediatrics, 128(2), 280-288.
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