Tongue Tie

Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) Treatment at Asian ENT Care Centre, Hyderabad

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a congenital condition where the lingual frenulum, the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is unusually short, thick, or tight. This condition restricts the tongue’s normal range of motion, making it difficult to move the tongue freely. In some cases, this can cause problems with breastfeeding, eating, speaking, and swallowing.

At Asian ENT Care Centre, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tongue-tie in infants, children, and adults. Our experienced specialists offer effective treatment options, ensuring better functionality of the tongue and preventing long-term complications.

What is Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)?

Tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum (the band of tissue under the tongue) is too tight or short, limiting the tongue’s ability to move freely. This can affect a range of activities, from breastfeeding in infants to speech development in children. While tongue-tie may cause no problems for some individuals, it can lead to significant challenges in others.

Symptoms of Tongue-Tie

The symptoms of tongue-tie can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common signs include:

In Babies:

• Breastfeeding difficulties: Trouble latching onto the breast or feeding for extended periods.
• Constant hunger: Babies may struggle to feed effectively and may still seem hungry after breastfeeding.
• Poor weight gain: Difficulty breastfeeding can result in insufficient weight gain.
• Clicking sound while feeding: A clicking noise may occur when breastfeeding due to improper latching.

In Young Children:

• Speech impediments: Difficulty pronouncing certain words or sounds, especially those involving the “T”, “D”, “N”, “L”, “S”, and “Z” sounds.
• Swallowing problems: Trouble moving food or liquid from the mouth to the throat.
• Limited tongue movement: Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side, toward the roof of the mouth, or sticking it out.
• Difficulty licking: Challenges with tasks like licking ice cream or a lollipop.
• Difficulty playing wind instruments: Some children may find it difficult to blow into instruments like a flute or trumpet.

In Mothers:

• Painful breastfeeding: Cracked and sore nipples due to improper latching.
• Insufficient milk supply: Difficulty breastfeeding may lead to lower milk production.

How is Tongue-Tie Diagnosed?

Tongue-tie is usually diagnosed during an oral examination. A pediatrician or lactation consultant will look for signs of a short or tight frenulum by examining the underside of the tongue and its attachment to the floor of the mouth. In severe cases, the tongue may appear heart-shaped or not be able to extend past the lower teeth.

Treatment for Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)

Treatment for tongue-tie depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on feeding, speech, or oral function. While some cases may not require intervention, others benefit from a simple surgical procedure called a frenectomy (or frenotomy).

Frenectomy (Frenotomy or Frenulectomy)

Frenectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that involves cutting the lingual frenulum to allow for greater tongue movement. This can be performed in the clinic, often without the need for general anesthesia.

• For infants: The procedure is typically painless, and local anesthesia may not be needed. Frenectomy is a straightforward, safe procedure with a quick recovery time.

• For older children and adults: Local anesthesia is usually applied to ensure comfort, and the procedure is often completed in a few minutes. In some cases, general anesthesia may be recommended, especially for more complex cases.

Benefits of Frenectomy:

• Improved breastfeeding: Allows infants to latch properly, improving milk intake and reducing nipple pain.
• Better speech development: Resolves speech impediments caused by limited tongue movement.
• Improved oral functions: Enhances the ability to chew, swallow, and perform oral tasks like licking or playing wind instruments.

Risks and Considerations:

Like any surgical procedure, frenectomy carries some risks, including:

• Bleeding: Minimal bleeding may occur during or after the procedure.
• Infection: While rare, infection is a potential risk after any surgery.
• Scarring: Some scarring may occur at the frenulum site.
• Damage to salivary ducts: Very rarely, the surgery may affect the salivary ducts located near the frenulum.

When is Frenectomy Required?

Frenectomy is recommended if tongue-tie is affecting:

• Breastfeeding: Difficulty latching or feeding effectively in infants.
• Speech: Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds as children grow older.
• Oral function: Problems with chewing, swallowing, or oral hygiene.

Why Choose Asian ENT Care Centre for Tongue-Tie Treatment?

• Expert Care: Our team of experienced ENT specialists and pediatricians offers personalized care for both infants and adults with tongue-tie.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: We offer frenectomy with minimal discomfort and fast recovery times.
• Comprehensive Treatment: Whether it’s feeding issues in infants or speech development concerns in children, we provide a holistic approach to tongue-tie treatment.
• Safe and Effective: With years of experience, our surgeons ensure that tongue-tie treatment is done with the highest safety standards.

Book a Consultation Today

If your baby is struggling with breastfeeding or if you or your child are experiencing difficulties with speech or oral function, don’t wait. Book a consultation with our expert ENT specialists today at Asian ENT Care Centre, Hyderabad, and get a customized treatment plan for tongue-tie.