Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, can affect babies primarily by making breastfeeding and bottle-feeding difficult.
Effects of Tongue-Tie on Babies
Here's a breakdown of how tongue-tie can impact infants:
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Feeding Difficulties: The primary impact is on feeding. A restricted tongue makes it hard for babies to properly latch onto the breast or bottle teat.
- Poor Latch: Babies may struggle to create a deep and secure latch.
- Difficulty Staying Attached: They might have trouble maintaining the latch, leading to frequent breaks and frustration.
- Inefficient Milk Transfer: Limited tongue movement can prevent efficient milk extraction, resulting in the baby not getting enough milk.
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Nutritional Issues: Because of the feeding difficulties, babies with tongue-tie might not gain weight adequately.
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Maternal Impact: Mothers may experience nipple pain, cracked nipples, or mastitis due to the baby's improper latch.
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Other Potential Issues:
- Clicking Sounds: A clicking sound may be heard during feeding as the baby struggles to maintain suction.
- Gassiness and Reflux: Inefficient feeding can lead to swallowing excessive air, increasing gassiness and reflux.
- Irritability: Hunger and frustration from feeding difficulties can make the baby irritable.
Severity of Tongue-Tie
The severity of tongue-tie varies. Some babies have only a minor restriction that doesn't significantly impact feeding, while others have a more severe restriction that causes significant problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or ENT specialist, can diagnose tongue-tie. Treatment often involves a simple procedure called a frenotomy, where the lingual frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is cut or released. This can significantly improve tongue mobility and feeding efficiency.
