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Understanding Tongue-Tie: When Should You Consider The Procedure?

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.

Dr. Dina Kulik | Kidcrew

Urgent Care | Walk-In by Appointment | Kidcrew Medical Multi-Disciplinary Pediatric Care
Urgent Care | Walk-In by Appointment | Kidcrew Medical Multi-Disciplinary Pediatric Care

The general information provided on this website is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Do NOT use this website for medical emergencies.

If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

Dr. Dina Kulik

Dr. Dina Kulik completed her Pediatrics Residency and Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children. Dr. Dina is one of Canada’s leading child health media experts, providing child health information through television, radio, print media, and via her blog DrDina.ca. Above all, Dina’s greatest joy is her family, and being the mom of four lovely boys.

Dr. Dina Kulik

Dr. Dina Kulik completed her Pediatrics Residency and Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children. Dr. Dina is one of Canada’s leading child health media experts, providing child health information through television, radio, print media, and via her blog DrDina.ca. Above all, Dina’s greatest joy is her family, and being the mom of four lovely boys.
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