Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion.
Signs and symptoms include:
Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or side to side movement of tongue
Difficulty in sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth
A tongue that appears heart shaped when stuck out
Complication:
Tongue tie in baby can affect their oral development which can lead to difficulty in speaking, swallowing or eating.
For example,
Breast-feeding problems: If the baby is unable to move the tongue or keep it in the right position, the baby might chew instead of suck on the nipple. Breast-feeding requires a baby to keep his or her tongue over the lower gum while sucking. This inability of baby to place the tongue in a correct position can cause significant nipple pain and interfere with a baby's ability to get breast milk. Ultimately, poor breast-feeding can lead to inadequate nutrition and failure to thrive.
Speech difficulties: Difficulty in pronouncing Certain sounds — such as "t," "d," "z," "s," "th," "r" and "l." can be caused by tongue- tie.
Poor oral hygiene: For an older child or adult, tongue-tie can make it difficult to sweep food debris from the teeth. This can contribute to tooth decay and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Tongue-tie can also lead to the formation of a gap or space between the two bottom front teeth.
Challenges with other oral activities: Tongue-tie can interfere with activities such as licking an ice cream cone, licking the lips, kissing or playing a wind instrument.
See a doctor if:
Your baby has signs of tongue-tie that cause problems, such as having trouble breast-feeding
A speech-language pathologist thinks your child's speech is affected by tongue-tie
Your older child complains of tongue problems that interfere with eating, speaking or reaching the back teeth
You're bothered by your own symptoms of tongue-tie.
Worried you or a loved one has a tongue tie?
Call us now at 02 9558 8988 or email us at info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au to organise a consultation today