What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie is a fairly common phenomenon that occurs in newborns where the piece of skin connecting their tongue to the bottom of their mouth is smaller and more widely attached than usual. This can make it difficult for the baby to move their tongue in certain directions, and can affect speech, breastfeeding and other activities later in life.

Understanding and Recognizing Tongue Tie

Tongue tie can be difficult to spot and is often only identified during a newborn physical exam. When the baby’s mouth is open the doctor is checking to see if the tongue has a free range of motion and is not being inhibited by anything. There are usually two indicators of tongue tie; a thin string of tissue connecting the bottom of the baby’s tongue to the floor of their mouth, as well as a heart shaped tongue (unable to stick out past the mouth and not able to reach where their lips meet).

What Are the Consequences of Tongue Tie?

If tongue tie is left untreated it can lead to a number of problems including difficulty with breastfeeding, misalignment of teeth, speech impediments and issues with eating solids. If tongue tie is identified early, doctors may use a simple procedure to snip the thin piece of tissue and free the tongue. Treatment can make a big difference in the baby’s quality of life and ability to perform certain activities. Babies with tongue tie often require extended time breastfeeding to help make up for any lost nutrition.

In conclusion, tongue tie is a fairly common phenomenon in newborns that can have an effect on speech, breastfeeding, eating and other activities. It is important for parents to be aware of and recognize the signs of tongue tie and to seek medical care if necessary. If left untreated tongue tie can lead to major developmental issues, so having a baby’s mouth examined is important. A simple procedure to snip the connective tissue and free the baby’s tongue can make a world of difference.