Tongue-Tie FAQs: What You Need to Know
Tongue-tie is known by several other names — ankyloglossia, looped tongue or crooked tongue. It affects thousands of babies, children, and adults but remains little understood. The National Health Service estimates that up to 11% of newborns have tongue-tie.
Tongue-tie can be hard to spot. Also, many health professionals do not routinely check newborns for include tongue-tie. As a result, you have many people who grow up and suffer from this undiagnosed condition.
For those with tongue-tie (as well as their parents, and professional guardians), being informed is the very first step towards successful treatment. To that end, here are the answers to top Frequently Asked Questions about tongue-tie.
Does tongue-tie really exist?
This question is at the heart of the tongue-tie controversy. There are people and experts who continue to view it as a fad among the breastfeeding community which does not require intervention. But recent research into tongue-tie is starting to say otherwise.
International board-certified lactation consultant and craniosacral therapist Dr. Alison Hazelbaker points out that tongue-tie has a unique genetic code. Historically, midwives and pediatricians routinely snipped tongue-tie to allow for optimal breastfeeding. With the rise of formula and bottles, however, the practice became less prevalent over time.
Today, numerous studies are being done all over the world to achieve a better understanding of tongue-tie. As more information comes to light, one fact, in particular, has been proven correct — that tongue-tie is a very real medical condition with its own presentation, complications, and treatment.
What Causes Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie is a malformation of the lingual frenulum. This tissue connects the tongue to the bottom part of the mouth. When it’s unusually short, thick, or tight, tongue movement is significantly restricted. Furthermore, it’s a congenital anomaly. It can only occur during the embryonic period and never after birth.
Source: First Coast Cardio
According to Breastfeeding Basics, around 22 babies per 1, 000 births present with tongue-tie. More boys have it than girls. It has a strong tendency to run in families which supports the theory that tongue-tie is genetic.
Read more: Tongue-Tie FAQs: What You Need to Know