WHAT IS it?
TONGUE TIE (also known as ankyloglossia)
Tongue Tie is when the membrane under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) restricts the movement of the tongue. All babies are born with some of this tissue, but for a small percentage (ranges 1-10%) of newborns, it is so tight that they cannot move their tongues freely. This can affect their ability to breastfeed and
can lead to poor latch. Tongue-tie can also affect the affect the way a child eats, speaks and swallows. There are different degrees of tongue tie, Class 1, 2, 3 and 4. LIP TIE
Many babies with a tongue tie also have an abnormally tight membrane attaching their upper lip to their upper gums (the labial frenulum). This is called a lip tie. Babies with a lip tie often have difficulty creating a proper seal at the breast. Even though there isn’t concrete data to explain why a lip tie happens, multiple studies suggest that it may be hereditary, just like a tongue tie.
Don’t let the phrases like Frenectomy, Frenotomy, Tongue Tie repair, Tongue Tie surgery, Lip Tie Repair or Lip Tie surgery confuse you–just call us to schedule an appointment and we will explain everything to you in easy to understand terms. Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie
How it Impacts Breastfeeding
Sometimes tongue-tie may not cause problems. Some cases may require a simple surgical procedure for correction. The dentists at Carlsbad Children’s Dentistry use the most advanced laser technology available.
They use cold cutting lasers that help minimize discomfort and help babies heal faster. Both, the Solea (CO2) laser and the Fotona LightWalker (Er-Yag) lasers are minimally invasive, fast, and precise to provide patient comfort. There is no heat, vibration, or pressure from the laser. It allows for a suture free procedure, resulting in faster healing and reduced pain with soft tissue procedures like a frenectomy.
If you or your child is struggling with Tongue Tie or Lip Tie and you have heard the phrases Frenectomy, Frenotomy, Tongue Tie repair, Tongue Tie surgery, Lip Tie Repair, or Tongue Tie Surgery…just call us to schedule an appointment and we will fully explain everything to you in easy to understand terms, and discuss available treatment options.
Heidi Burke-Pevney, IBCLC
hbp.lactation@gmail.com
Congratulations to our wonderful Heidi Burke-Pevney
San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition’s, IBCLC for 2018!
Thank you Heidi for all of your amazing work as a lactation consultant and advocate for breast feeding. Thanks for taking care of mom’s and babies who have difficulty nursing and helping them overcome and succeed.
