Tongue-Tie in Babies: An Ankyloglossia Fact Sheet and Treatment Guide for Parents

tongue-tie in babies tongue-tie ankyloglossia Isabel Roloff Little People Big World hard time with breastfeeding otolaryngologist surgical or non-surgical intervention lactation consultant pediatric dentist Frenulectomy frenectomy lingual frenulum

By Lili Scott , Parent Herald Mar 17, 10:32 am

Photo: (Photo : John Moore/Getty Images)

Did you know that all babies have a tissue fold under their tongue, called the lingual frenulum, which may be underdeveloped and lead to a mouth condition known as tongue-tie in babies or ankyloglossia?

Reality TV star Isabel Roloff of "Little People, Big World" claims that her newborn son has ankyloglossia despite the pediatrician telling him that her baby is fine, according to The Sun. She noticed that Mateo had a hard time with breastfeeding that he wasn't able to gain an ideal weight for his age.

Her story has raised awareness on this condition that affects between four to 10 percent of babies. Here's what else parents need to know about tongue-tie in babies:

1. Tongue-ties have different classifications.

Healthcare providers determine the severity of the tongue-tie based on a classification system. This classification, however, is for descriptive purposes only and does not, in any way, affect the treatment. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the classification also informs the otolaryngologist on the best assessment tools to use to determine function or difficulty to ascertain whether the baby needs surgical or non-surgical intervention.

2. Tongue-ties diagnosis can be determined by a lactation consultant, a pediatrician or a family doctor.

Usually, it's the pediatrician or the lactation consultant who will be the first to notice tongue-tie in babies when the babies demonstrate difficulty in opening their mouth or latching on to the mother's breast. If the baby is bottle feeding, the parents may notice that they have dribbles of leaked milk around their mouth quite often. If the medical experts are not trained in this type of condition, the baby may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) or a pediatric dentist.

3. Tongue-tie in babies can be corrected with a simple procedure.

Frenulectomy or frenectomy is usually performed on infants with tongue-tie. Ideally, the operation using lasers or scissors may be undertaken when the baby is above six months old and has started developing teeth, according to Cornell Medicine. However, a lot of babies actually do not need surgery but their doctor will guide them on managing their baby's ankyloglossia.

It takes only a few minutes to do this outpatient procedure and most babies will be okay the moment they are out of the clinic. Thus, there is no need for pain medications. Healing may also be hastened with finger massages. However, in older babies, general anesthesia could be necessary.

4. Untreated or uncorrected tongue-tie may bring concerning consequences.

Aside from feedings issues, tongue-tie in babies may lead to misalignment of the teeth, problems with articulation and issues with oral biomechanics due to the tongue's restricted movement, per Stanford Children's Health.

Experts are aware that some families may feel that no treatment is needed for severe conditions as the lingual frenulum will stretch as the baby grows. Though this is ultimately the parents' decision, their son or daughter might develop self-esteem issues if they grow up with the tongue condition.