Is a Tongue-Tie Affecting Your Baby’s Latch? A Frenectomy Could Help

Breastfeeding is supposed to be a natural experience for both mother and baby, but for many women, it’s not as simple as that. Many infants have difficulty latching, leading to fussiness and even nutritional deficits. 

Fortunately, most latching issues can be corrected with lactation counseling strategies aimed at helping moms and babies overcome obstacles and achieve success. But if your baby has a condition called tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), medical intervention may be the best option.

Tongue-tie release is a simple procedure to correct tongue-tie and the latching problems it can cause. Here, Dr. Amy Morris of Morris Dental Associates explains how the procedure works, so you can make an informed and educated choice about your baby’s care.

Tongue-tie: The basics

Tongue-tie isn’t rare — data show it affects up to 10% of newborns. Yet when it happens to your baby, it can feel like you’re all alone in your breastfeeding struggles. 

The condition happens when the thin band of tissue under a baby’s tongue (called the frenulum) is shorter or tighter than normal. This abnormality restricts tongue movement, making it harder for babies to latch on to the breast and nurse effectively. 

It can also make nursing more painful for mom, as a baby with tongue-tie is more likely to compress or bite the nipple when trying to nurse.

Tongue-tie ranges from mild to severe, and often, parents may not realize their baby has ankyloglossia until nursing problems arise. Early diagnosis is important to reduce feeding problems that in turn can lead to poor weight gain and other growth or developmental issues, in addition to preventing discomfort for both moms and babies.

Left untreated, tongue-tie can affect bottle feeding and later oral development — changes that can in turn affect your growing child’s ability to speak clearly and eat certain foods. 

Frenectomy: During and after

Tongue-tie is corrected with a quick, in-office procedure called a frenectomy. The procedure uses an advanced laser system to release the tight frenulum under the tongue. This allows the tongue to move normally, making it easier for your baby to latch, nurse, and swallow. 

The procedure itself is quick, and a local anesthetic keeps your baby comfortable. You go home shortly afterward, and Dr. Morris and our team provide complete aftercare instructions to ensure rapid healing. 

Most babies adjust quickly to their frenectomy and begin nursing normally afterward. Other babies need a little time to practice nursing with their newly mobile tongue. If you have any concerns, give our office a call.

Ready to take the next step?

If you suspect your baby’s feeding issues may be related to tongue-tie, don’t hesitate to seek advice. Dr. Morris and our team can evaluate your baby and help you decide if a frenectomy is the right choice for your baby’s healthy life.

Conveniently located in Abilene, Texas, Morris Dental Associates is proud to serve patients in Abilene, Sweetwater, Brownwood, Eastland, and the surrounding areas. To schedule your visit, request an appointment online or over the phone today.