Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a common condition in newborns where the thin band of tissue (frenulum) connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. This can affect how babies feed and may impact their oral development.
If you’re a new parent, understanding tongue tie can help you support your baby’s feeding and growth.
👶 What Is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie restricts tongue movement, making it harder for your baby to:
Latch properly during breastfeeding
Move the tongue freely for effective sucking
Swallow efficiently
It may cause feeding difficulties and, if untreated, could affect speech and oral development later.
🍼 Signs of Tongue Tie in Babies
You might notice:
Difficulty breastfeeding or poor latch
Prolonged feeding times or fussiness during feeds
Clicking sounds while feeding
Poor weight gain
Maternal nipple pain or damage
Limited tongue extension or a heart-shaped tongue tip
🤱 How Tongue Tie Affects Feeding
Babies with tongue tie often struggle to create the suction needed for breastfeeding, leading to frustration for both baby and mother. Bottle feeding might also be affected, though usually less severely.
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve feeding and reduce complications.
🩺 Treatment Options
If tongue tie affects feeding or development, your healthcare provider may recommend:
Frenotomy: A quick, simple procedure to release the frenulum, often done in the clinic.
Lactation support: Specialized help to improve feeding techniques.
Monitoring: Some mild cases don’t require immediate treatment and improve naturally.
🧠 Why Early Intervention Matters
Addressing tongue tie early helps:
Improve feeding and weight gain
Reduce nipple pain for breastfeeding mothers
Support normal speech and oral development
Prevent future dental or jaw alignment issues
💡 What Parents Can Do
Watch for feeding difficulties or signs of tongue tie
Consult your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or dentist experienced in tongue tie
Get professional evaluation if you suspect tongue tie
Follow recommended treatment plans and support feeding techniques