
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you suspect your child has tongue-tie, please book a consultation with Byfleet Care Clinic to receive a personalised, expert assessment and support package tailored to your baby’s unique needs.
What to Expect During a Tongue-Tie Assessment and Division:
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) can be a common cause of feeding difficulties in infants, affecting their ability to latch, swallow, and gain weight effectively. Byfleet Care Clinic specializes in comprehensive, personalized tongue-tie assessments and, if needed, safe and effective division procedures performed right in the comfort of your home. Here, we outline the process and benefits of tongue-tie assessment and division, with evidence-based insights to guide parents considering this option.
The Tongue-Tie Assessment Process:
The first step in evaluating tongue-tie is a structured assessment, often using the Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (HATLFF). This tool, recommended by the Association of Tongue Tie Practitioners (ATP), assesses tongue appearance and function across a range of movements, like lifting, protrusion, and side-to-side movements. The HATLFF scale provides an objective measure to determine if restricted tongue movement may be impacting feeding. Research indicates that structured assessments, like those using the Hazelbaker tool, are essential in identifying infants who can benefit most from intervention (Webb et al., 2013).
What Happens in the Procedure:
If assessment findings indicate that tongue-tie is significantly affecting feeding, a simple division procedure, also known as a frenotomy, may be recommended. During the procedure:
-Preparation and Comfort: The baby is positioned securely, and the mouth is carefully examined to locate the frenulum (the tissue under the tongue).
-Division: Using sterile, fine-tipped scissors, the frenulum is gently divided. The procedure is swift, typically completed in under a minute.
-Minimal Discomfort: Studies have shown that frenotomy is low-risk and causes minimal discomfort, as the frenulum has few nerve endings. A 2017 randomized controlled trial (RCT) by Buryk et al. confirmed the procedure’s effectiveness and safety in relieving feeding issues, with most infants returning to feeding within minutes post-procedure.
Post-Procedure Care Tips:
After the procedure, parents can take simple steps to ensure their baby’s comfort and aid healing:
-Immediate Feeding: Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding immediately post-procedure helps calm the baby and promotes healing.
Soothing Measures: Gentle swaddling and a comforting environment help soothe any minor discomfort.
-Exercises for Recovery: Some practitioners recommend gentle tongue exercises, like tapping under the baby’s chin to encourage tongue mobility.
-Follow-Up Care: Byfleet Care Clinic offers follow-up support to monitor recovery and provide additional feeding guidance if needed.
-Expected Outcomes and Benefits: Research shows that frenotomy often leads to improved feeding, weight gain, and greater maternal satisfaction. A 2019 study by Emond et al. found that mothers reported significant relief in feeding pain post-procedure, with infants demonstrating better latching and feeding efficiency. Infants who undergo frenotomy tend to gain weight more effectively, experience less frustration during feeding, and require shorter feeding sessions.
Conclusion:
While the decision to undergo tongue-tie division is personal, parents are reassured by the high success rates and safety of this procedure. Byfleet Care Clinic provides in-home, comprehensive tongue-tie packages, which include initial assessments, the division procedure, and follow-up care tailored to each baby’s needs.
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