As new parents, we often face unexpected challenges. One such challenge was our newborn's struggle with breastfeeding. We soon found out our baby had a tongue tie. This discovery opened our eyes to many concerns and questions about our child's development.
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth. It restricts the tongue's range of motion. An unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue, called the lingual frenulum, ties the tongue to the mouth floor. This can make breastfeeding hard for newborns1.
Tongue tie affects between 0.2% to 10.7% of the population 1.
It's often overlooked, especially in mild cases. Tongue tie can be divided into two types: anterior and posterior, with anterior being more visible1.
Parents often notice tongue tie during breastfeeding. Babies may have trouble latching, leading to poor milk transfer and weight issues. This can be frustrating for both the baby and the mother1.
Tongue tie comes in four types, some of which are hard to spot: anterior to tip, anterior but inserts behind the tip, posterior with a visible tight frenulum, and posterior without a thin membrane2. Each type can have different symptoms, but tongue mobility is key for facial development in babies2.
Key Takeaways
Tongue tie affects a significant portion of newborns
It can cause breastfeeding difficulties and weight gain issues
There are different types of tongue tie, some harder to detect
Early detection and treatment are crucial
Osteopathy can help address associated neck and jaw tension
Professional evaluation is important for proper diagnosis and treatment
Understanding Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia) in Newborns
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition that affects newborns. It limits their tongue's ability to move freely. We will look into what defines this condition, how it differs from normal tongue movement, and its prevalence among infants.
What Defines a Tongue Tie Condition
A tongue tie happens when the lingual frenulum, the tissue linking the tongue to the mouth floor, is too short, thick, or tight. This limits tongue movement, affecting oral functions. Studies reveal that 5-12% of newborns have a tongue tie severe enough to restrict tongue movement3.
Normal vs. Restricted Tongue Movement
Normally, infants can lift their tongues to their upper teeth and move them side-to-side. With a tongue tie, these actions are limited. This restriction can cause feeding difficulties and may affect speech development later in life. It's estimated that about 70% of tongue ties can cause speech problems if left untreated3.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
The prevalence of tongue tie varies. Some sources say it affects 3-5% of newborns, while others suggest it may be as high as 11% or more4. Tongue tie is more common in boys and tends to run in families, indicating genetic factors play a role5.
Interestingly, a study found that 99 out of 100 healthy newborns exhibited somatic dysfunction, which is linked to neck/head restrictions. These dysfunctions are mainly found in the upper cervical and cranial regions, influencing neuromuscular tone and function in areas like the mouth, jaw, and tongue4.
Aspect | Normal Tongue | Tongue Tie |
Lingual Frenulum | Flexible, allows full movement | Short, thick, or tight |
Tongue Mobility | Full range of motion | Restricted movement |
Prevalence | N/A | 5-12% of newborns |
Gender Bias | No bias | More common in boys |
Understanding tongue tie is crucial for early intervention. Osteopathy and other treatments can help address this condition. They improve tongue mobility and overall oral function in affected infants.
Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie in Infants
Tongue ties affect 5-10% of babies6. Look for a notched or heart-shaped tongue when it's out. Babies might find it hard to lift their tongue or move it side-to-side.
Breastfeeding problems are common signs. Infants may have trouble latching or make clicking sounds. They might lose their latch while feeding. Mothers often feel nipple pain.
Feeds can be inefficient or take too long. Milk might leak from the sides of the mouth. Other signs include reflux, gas pain, and snoring6.
As children grow, speech difficulties can appear. Sounds like "t," "d," "z," "s," "th," "n," and "l" might be hard. They might also struggle with oral hygiene and everyday activities like licking ice cream cones.
Early identification is key. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) or feeding specialists should check first6. If you're worried, get professional help. Osteopaths can assess the whole body, looking for structural or muscular tensions related to tongue ties7.
Untreated tongue ties can cause feeding, speech, and breathing problems in infants7. Early treatment and a holistic approach, like craniosacral therapy, can greatly help affected babies.
Impact on Breastfeeding and Infant Nutrition
Tongue-tie can really affect how a baby nurses and eats. We'll look at the common problems with feeding, signs of not getting enough milk, and how it hurts the mom.
Common Feeding Difficulties
Babies with tongue-tie often have trouble latching on. This makes it hard for them to get enough milk. Half of moms stop breastfeeding in the first month because of this8.
Signs of Poor Milk Transfer
Not getting enough milk can cause a baby to not gain weight well. They might need to nurse for a long time. A study found that special treatments helped babies get more fat from their mom's milk8.
Indicator | Normal | With Tongue-Tie |
Feeding Duration | 15-20 minutes | 30+ minutes |
Weight Gain | Steady | Slow or Inadequate |
Diaper Output | 6-8 wet diapers/day | Fewer wet diapers |
Maternal Discomfort During Nursing
Mothers might feel pain, damage, or bleeding from their nipples. A study found that special help made nursing better for many moms8. There's a tool to check how well a baby is nursing8.
Special treatments have helped newborns in the hospital. They get better faster and go home sooner. This also saves money9. It helps babies nurse better, which is good for their growth and health9.
Tongue Tie affects newborn babies in many ways,
Osteopath can fix such problem
Tongue tie is a big problem for newborns, making it hard to breastfeed10. It's found in about 5% of babies and stops them from latching and getting milk11. Osteopathic treatment is a great help for these babies who have trouble feeding.
Osteopaths are experts in treating tongue and lip ties in babies10. They use soft manual therapy to loosen the tongue and tissues. This method works well, fixing breastfeeding issues in about 50% of cases without surgery11.
Craniosacral therapy is a special part of osteopathic care that helps newborns with tongue ties. It gently works on the craniosacral system to improve tongue movement and oral function. This gentle method is perfect for babies.
When laser treatments are needed, osteopathic care helps too. After the laser treatment, 2-3 osteopathic sessions help the tongue and tissues adjust11. This helps babies feed better and gain weight faster10.
Experts like Ernest Geid have helped many with tongue tie problems. They've seen success not just in babies but also in toddlers and preschoolers11. Even adults with long-term neck, jaw, and sinus issues might find relief from cranial osteopathic treatment11.
Diagnosis and Assessment Methods
Diagnosing tongue-tie needs a detailed check by skilled healthcare providers. We'll look at how to spot this issue in babies and when to get help.
Physical Examination Procedures
Checking tongue mobility is key to diagnosing tongue-tie. Healthcare experts watch how the baby's tongue moves and looks at the lingual frenum. They might lift the tongue to see how far it can go and if it's restricted.
Professional Evaluation Criteria
Pediatricians, dentists, and ENTs have specific ways to check tongue-tie. They look at the tongue's shape, how it moves, and if it's hard to feed. They judge based on how well the tongue works, not just how it looks12.
Aspect | Evaluation Criteria |
Tongue Appearance | Shape, size, color |
Lingual Frenum | Length, thickness, attachment point |
Tongue Mobility | Range of motion, elevation, extension |
Feeding Issues | Latching problems, milk transfer, maternal discomfort |
When to Seek Medical Help
If you see feeding troubles or a lactation consultant suggests a check, talk to a healthcare provider. Signs like losing weight, not getting enough nutrients, or not growing well need quick action12. Seeing an osteopath or other expert early can help a lot.
It's important to know tongue-tie is common, affecting 3-5% to 11% or more of babies13. Being watchful and getting help when needed is key for your baby's health.
Role of Craniosacral Therapy in Treating Tongue Tie
Craniosacral therapy is a special kind of osteopathy that helps treat tongue tie in babies. It's a gentle, non-invasive method that works on the craniosacral system. This can help improve how the tongue moves and works14,15.
Osteopaths like Ernest Geid use craniosacral therapy to help with tongue-tie symptoms. This method can make feeding easier and might avoid the need for surgery in some cases. It focuses on releasing tightness in the head and mouth areas to help the tongue move better15.
Studies show that craniosacral therapy and cranial osteopathy are very good at fixing sucking problems in babies. They both work by gently moving the craniosacral system14.
Benefits of craniosacral therapy for babies with tongue tie include:
Improved tongue mobility
Enhanced developmental movement
Reduced pain and discomfort
Better feeding skills
Increased head and neck mobility
Manual therapy practitioners say that after craniosacral treatment, babies sleep better and get hungrier. This treatment helps not just the tongue tie but the whole body15.
The number of babies with tongue tie is going up worldwide. From 2000 to 2005, studies found that 3.2% to 12.8% of newborns had tongue-tie. This shows we need more non-invasive treatments like craniosacral therapy16.
Aspect | Impact of Craniosacral Therapy |
Tongue Mobility | Significant improvement |
Feeding Skills | Enhanced coordination |
Discomfort | Reduced pain and tension |
Sleep Patterns | Improved quality |
Overall Development | Positive influence |
Craniosacral therapy helps by fixing tight spots and making the craniosacral system work better. It's a gentle way to treat tongue tie in babies. This method fits with the trend towards caring for patients in a more holistic way in osteopathy and manual therapy.
Treatment Options and Surgical Procedures
There are many ways to treat tongue tie in newborns. We can choose from surgery to osteopathic care, each one fitting the baby's needs.
Frenotomy Procedure
A frenotomy is a quick fix for tongue tie. It involves a small cut in the lingual frenulum to free the tongue. Babies as young as 8 days old can get this, helping them eat better and gain weight10.
Frenuloplasty for Complex Cases
For tougher cases, especially in older kids or with thicker frenulums, frenuloplasty is suggested. This surgery is more detailed than frenotomy but offers lasting benefits for severe tongue ties.
Post-Procedure Care
After surgery, taking care of the baby is key. This includes managing pain and exercises to keep the tongue moving. Many moms say breastfeeding pain goes away a few weeks post-surgery10.
Osteopathic care can also help, aiding in recovery and improving tongue function. Bodywork sessions, including osteopathic care, usually last 15-20 minutes for infants17. These sessions can ease tension before surgery, making it easier for the surgeon and better for the baby's healing17.
Remember, surgery alone might not solve all feeding issues. Other parts can be involved18. So, a mix of surgery and osteopathic care often works best for tongue-tied babies.
Long-term Effects of Untreated Tongue Tie
Tongue tie affects about one in 10 babies and can have lasting impacts if not treated5,19. It can affect many areas of a child's life. This includes speech, dental health, and how they interact with others.
Speech Development Impact
Untreated tongue tie can cause speech disorders. Kids might find it hard to make certain sounds. This can make them feel less confident in social situations and affect their schoolwork.
Oral Hygiene Concerns
Dental health is also a big concern. Tongue tie makes it hard to clean teeth properly. This raises the risk of cavities and gum disease. Regular dental visits are key for these kids.
Social and Developmental Effects
Social interactions can be tough for kids with tongue tie. Simple things like licking an ice cream cone or playing a wind instrument can be hard. These challenges can hurt their self-esteem and social growth. Early osteopathic treatment can help lessen these effects, improving their quality of life5.
FAQ
What is tongue-tie (ankyloglossia)?
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth. It happens when a band of tissue, called the lingual frenulum, is too short or tight. This band connects the tongue to the mouth floor, limiting its movement.
How common is tongue-tie in newborns?
Tongue-tie is more common in boys than girls. It can also run in families. This condition forms before birth when the lingual frenulum doesn't separate properly.
What are the signs and symptoms of tongue-tie in infants?
Signs include trouble lifting the tongue to the upper teeth. It's hard to move the tongue side-to-side. A notched or heart-shaped tongue is another sign.
Symptoms may include breastfeeding problems and speech difficulties. Poor oral hygiene and challenges with oral activities are also common.
How does tongue-tie affect breastfeeding?
Tongue-tie can cause poor latch and inefficient sucking. It makes it hard to maintain a nursing position. This can lead to inadequate weight gain and frequent, long feeding sessions.
It can also cause maternal discomfort like nipple pain, damage, or bleeding.
Can osteopathy help with tongue-tie?
Yes, osteopaths like Ernest Geid can help with tongue-tie. They use manual therapy techniques. This can improve tongue mobility and oral function.
What is craniosacral therapy and how can it help with tongue-tie?
Craniosacral therapy is a form of osteopathic treatment. It focuses on releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system. It can improve tongue mobility and function.
This may help with feeding and reduce the need for surgery in some cases.
How is tongue-tie diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a physical examination. It checks tongue mobility and the lingual frenulum's appearance. Healthcare providers use specific criteria to evaluate the severity.
What are the treatment options for tongue-tie?
Treatment options include surgical procedures like frenotomy and frenuloplasty. Osteopathic care can also be used to complement these treatments.
What are the long-term effects of untreated tongue-tie?
Untreated tongue-tie can affect speech development and oral hygiene. It may lead to speech difficulties and an increased risk of tooth decay.
It can also cause challenges with various oral activities. This may affect a child's social development and self-esteem.
When should parents seek medical help for tongue-tie?
Parents should seek medical help if they notice feeding difficulties or speech problems. A lactation consultant or speech-language pathologist may recommend an assessment.
Early evaluation by an osteopath or healthcare professional can lead to timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Source Links
https://hempsteadtherapycentre.co.uk/tongue-tie-and-osteopathy/ - Tongue Tie and Osteopathy - Hempstead Therapy Centre
https://boroondaraosteopathy.com.au/tongue-tie/ - Tongue Tie & Osteopathy
https://tonguetieindia.com/parents-need-to-know-lip-tongue-ties/ - What Parents Need to Know About Lip Ties and Tongue Ties?
https://www.thrivefamchiropractic.com/your-babys-tongue-tie/ - Your Baby's Tongue Tie | Thrive Family Chiropractic, LLC
https://www.drchelseapinto.com/infant-tongue-ties-and-lip-ties/ - Infant Tongue Ties & Lip Ties | Dr. Pinto Tongue Tie Specialist
https://www.nso.com.au/2023/10/26/addressing-tongue-ties/ - Addressing Tongue Ties - North Shore Osteopaths
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9607199/ - Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Decreases Hospital Stay and Healthcare Cost in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
https://brisbanewestosteopath.com.au/tongue-tie/ - Tongue Tie Treatment & Osteopathy | Brisbane West Osteopath
https://www.cityosteopaths.co.nz/blog/post/113347/breastfeeding-and-tongue-tie/ - Breastfeeding and Tongue Tie
https://www.myofunctionaltherapy4u.com/ultimate-guide-to-tongue-ties/ - The Ultimate Guide To Tongue-Ties | Impact Myofunctional Therapy
https://pxdocs.com/developmental-delays/tongue-tied-baby/ - Your Baby's Tongue Tie | PX Docs
https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrcl/11/1/21 - The Impact of Craniosacral Therapy/Cranial Osteopathy on Breastfeeding
https://nurturenourishservices.com/learn/craniosacral-therapy-for-tongue-tie - Craniosacral Fascial Therapy and Craniosacral Therapy - Charleston, SC
https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrcl/7/3/92 - IBCLCs and Craniosacral Therapists: Strange Bedfellows or a Perfect Match?
https://kidstowndentist.com/kidstown-dental-role-of-the-bodyworker/ - Role of the Bodyworker - KidsTown Dental
https://osteopathyintoronto.com/osteopathy-may-help-with/ - OSTEOPATHY MAY HELP WITH - Osteopathy in Toronto
https://www.sarahoakleylactation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/tongue-tie-booklet-version-2.pdf - PDF
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