Tongue Tie

Many times a tongue tie is first noticed in babies before they leave the hospital. A tongue tie may just seem like extra skin in the mouth, but in some cases, it can cause issues in the infant years and later in life. Our team of ENT physicians has extensive experience releasing tongue ties. Many times the procedure can be done in our clinics, but if a more complex procedure is needed, we can perform that in our Little Rock ENT Outpatient Surgery Center.

What is a tongue tie?

Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue tie, is a condition in which the tongue is literally “tied” or attached to the floor of the mouth which often affects speech, eating and swallowing. A common occurrence, tongue ties affect nearly 5% of all newborns and while the condition often resolves itself, surgical intervention may be required if issues continue.

What type of doctor treats tongue tie?

If you are experiencing significant pain while breastfeeding and/or are concerned about your child’s intake of nutrients, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. More often than not, your child’s pediatrician will refer you to an ENT doctor if further action is required or if symptoms persist.

How is tongue tie treated?

In many cases, intervention is not necessary, and the tongue tie will correct itself as the child grows. However, a simple procedure called frenotomy may be required if your child’s tongue tie is severe and causing significant symptoms. Frenotomy is a simple procedure where your doctor will make a small cut on the frenulum, allowing the tongue to move freely. This is a quick and painless procedure that takes about 30 minutes and can be done in the ENT doctor’s office.

If the lingual frenulum is too thick for frenotomy, a procedure called frenuloplasty is recommended. Frenuloplasty uses anesthesia and surgical tools to free the tongue from the tie.

When should I seek treatment for tongue tie?

An untreated tongue tie has the potential to cause serious issues down the line. You should seek treatment for a tongue tie if you are experiencing significant pain while breastfeeding and/or if your child is constantly fussy at the breast and having trouble latching. A newborn struggling with a tongue tie will often chew instead of suck. Additionally, if your infant is experiencing poor weight gain, you should seek treatment.