Recognizing and Treating Tongue-Tie in Children
It’s a common concern for many parents. Your baby is having trouble breastfeeding, or your toddler is struggling with speech. You hear the term “tongue-tie” and wonder if this could be the issue.
Understanding Tongue-Tie Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth. It restricts the tongue’s range of motion, interfering with breastfeeding, speech, and oral hygiene. For more detailed information, visit our article on “What is Tongue-Tie?”
Symptoms of Tongue-Tie:
- Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or moving it from side to side. This limited mobility can impact speech development and oral hygiene.
- Trouble sticking the tongue out past the lower front teeth. This can affect the ability to eat properly and may cause discomfort.
- A tongue that appears heart-shaped or notched when stuck out. This is a visible indicator that the frenulum is too tight.
Immediate Home Care Strategies:
Consult with a pediatrician or lactation consultant. If breastfeeding issues arise, professional guidance can help determine if tongue-tie is the cause.
Observe for speech difficulties. As your child grows, pay attention to any speech impediments that may suggest restricted tongue movement.
When to Consider A Tongue Tie Release:
Significant breastfeeding problems: If your baby is having trouble feeding and gaining weight, intervention can help improve feeding efficiency.
Speech difficulties: If your child struggles with speech due to limited tongue mobility, surgery can enhance their ability to articulate words clearly.
Oral hygiene issues: Difficulty with tongue movement can lead to problems with oral hygiene, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Why Doctors Recommend A Tongue Tie Release Procedure for Tongue-Tie
- Cost Considerations: It’s Free! A procedure by a physician is covered by Ontario’s OHIP, making it a cost-effective option without out-of-pocket expenses.
- Significant Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding Issues: If your baby struggles with latching or feeding, resulting in poor weight gain, a tongue tie release can effectively address these issues.
- Follow-Up Care: Easy and Quick Follow-Up: At Kidcrew, a multidisciplinary clinic, follow-up appointments are convenient and typically available the same day, ensuring continuous care and monitoring.
What to Consider with Laser Surgery for Tongue-Tie
- Cost Considerations: Potential High Cost: Laser surgery can cost up to $1500 or more, as it is not covered by OHIP.
- Short and long-term benefits: Long-term benefits compared to surgical intervention are still debated among professionals. At this time, there is no evidence that laser-based tongue tie releases are less painful, more effective or provide a higher success rate than procedures by scissors.
- Specific Recommendations from a Specialist: If a dental specialist specifically recommends laser surgery for your child’s condition, it may be worth considering, but ensure you weigh this advice against that of a pediatrician.
- Availability of Equipment and Expertise: Laser treatments require specialized equipment and training, which might not be as readily available or reliable as pediatric surgical options.
- Follow-Up Care: Potential Wait Times: Follow-up at a dental office often requires a referral and can involve significant wait times, which may delay necessary post-procedure monitoring and care.
“Surgical intervention for tongue-tie can greatly improve a child’s quality of life by addressing feeding and speech issues effectively.”
– Dr. Dina Kulik
Preventive Measures:
- Regular pediatric check-ups: Routine visits to the pediatrician can help monitor your child’s oral development and catch any issues early.
- Early consultation with specialists: If tongue-tie is suspected, seeking early advice from a specialist can help determine the best course of action.
Taking the Next Steps for Your Child’s Health
Tongue-tie can significantly impact a child’s ability to feed and speak properly. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding when to seek professional help is crucial. If you suspect your child has tongue-tie, consult with your pediatrician to explore the best treatment options. At Kidcrew, our experienced team is here to provide the care and guidance your child needs. Book a consultation with one of our pediatricians today to ensure your child’s health and well-being.
Not a patient at Kidcrew? Not a problem!
Book a same-day urgent care visit (covered by OHIP), and our pediatrician on duty will provide the guidance your child requires.
