Tongue-tie in babies, or ankyloglossia, isn’t a speech or aesthetic issue. A baby who is “tongue-tied” will not be able to latch onto a breast or bottle properly. Since that is the baby’s only source of food, it causes issues with the child gaining weight properly. Parents who know the signs of this affliction can catch the issue early and consult a tongue-tie specialist, finding a solution before it becomes a serious problem.

What Does Tongue Tie Look Like in a Baby?

Imagine a normal-looking tongue. A baby who has a tongue-tie has a tongue with a notched or heart-shaped appearance. Check your baby’s tongue when he cries and sticks it out. Under the tongue, you may notice the bottom of the tongue is attached to the mouth’s floor by a tight band of skin. When that band is too tight, it causes issues. If your pediatrician notices the varied appearance, or you see problems yourself, meet with a tongue-tie specialist to get necessary answers.

Image: Unsplash 

What Are the Main Signs of Tongue Tie in a Baby?

There are many things to watch for in a tongue-tied child. Does your child have any signs? Here are a few things tongue-tie in babies can show during feedings:

• Clicking or smacking sounds during feeding
• Trouble maintaining a good latch
• Nursing is painful for the mother

It is also important to watch for outside movement signs, such as:

• The baby can’t stick his tongue out past his gums
• He is unable to move his tongue sideways
• He is not gaining weight

What Other Signs Might Suggest Tongue Tie?

Outside of the feeding and movement signs, there are other things that might point to tongue tie in babies, such as:

Digestive Signs

• Excess Gas/Reflux

Babies with tongue-tie can’t seal onto a breast or bottle, which allows a lot of air into their system while they eat.

• Biting

If the baby “bites” with the gums to hold the nipple, that could be because their tongue isn’t functioning properly.

• Body Tension

Some babies tense their necks and shoulders to compensate for the lack of tongue mobility.

Behavioral Signs

• Gulping

Babies may gulp, cough, or splutter if they are trying to manage a faster milk flow without the support needed to handle it.

• Fatigue

The proper latch is highly important to a child’s energy levels. Babies that can’t latch well use a lot more energy to eat. They might fall asleep every time they eat, or always seem hungry because they and never get enough.

• Anti-Pacifier

If the baby rejects a pacifier or can’t keep it in his mouth, it could be because his tongue is unable to hold it in properly.

How Is Tongue Tie Diagnosed in Babies?

When you have physical checkups with your pediatrician, the professional may notice tongue-tie symptoms in babies within your infant. A simple look can help to diagnose the issue in a short amount of time. The professional can simply take a close look at your baby’s tongue and visually see the shape and limited motion. The simple physical exam could be scored based on severity, which could lead to a variety of treatment plans.

Tongue Tie Checklist: What Should Parents Remember? 

Parents have long lists of things to worry about, but tongue-tie signs are easy to remember and diagnose. Keep these items in mind:

• The shape of the tongue could be a clue
• Tongue-tie is an issue beyond visuals that can impede proper feeding
• Visiting the pediatrician for physicals is highly important
• Tongue-tie is an ailment that can be addressed

Image: Unsplash  

In conclusion 

The New York Times has published studies on tongue-tie releases, showcasing the benefits and other issues related to the health problem. If you notice any signs of tongue-tie in babies, the best thing you can do is visit your pediatrician or the experts at Smiles + Grins. If your child isn’t gaining weight properly or can’t latch on well, they could have tongue-tie. Of course, there are many other possible issues, but checking for tongue-tie and ruling it out, or finding the cause, is a good place to start. It takes a village to raise a child, so don’t worry if you aren’t an expert on everything. There are plenty of professionals available to help you with this and other issues. If you have any questions or concerns about a possible tongue-tie in your child, contact the professionals at Smiles + Grins. We are the tongue-tie specialists in the Upper East Side, and our team can provide thorough evaluations and treatment plans to put your child on the best track for successful growth.

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