You’ve surely heard the term “tongue-tied” when someone is unable to speak due to shyness, embarrassment or surprise. But are you aware that tongue-tie is an actual birth condition? It affects almost five percent of babies.Luckily, though, this situation, which limits a tongue’s movement, can be remedied by an oral/maxillofacial surgeon. 

At the office of Bellevue Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we are experts in oral/maxillofacial surgery. We guide our patients through their diagnoses, treatments and aftercare with skill and compassion. We ensure that our patrons feel at ease. When you visit us, you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced oral and maxillofacial attention.

What is tongue-tie?

The lingual frenulum is the web of tissue under your tongue that connects to the floor of your mouth. Tongue-tie is when your newborn’s frenulum, the web of tissue under his (or her) tongue that connects to the floor of his mouth, is abnormal and restricts the movement of his tongue. Anterior tongue-tie is in the front two-thirds of the tongue. Posterior tongue-tie is in the back third. An anterior is easier to identify because the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is visible. Posteriors aren’t as obvious and can be harder to see in a newborn. 

Possible indications that your child has it: 

• He can’t stick his tongue out past his teeth; when he tries to, his tongue might look notched or shaped like a heart.
• Difficulty breastfeeding.
• He doesn’t lift his tongue or move it from side to side.
• He doesn’t lick his lips or use his tongue to brush food off his teeth. 

Breastfeeding difficulties can prevent your child from ingesting important nutrients. Without treatment, limited tongue movement can also bring on problems as he grows older: speech challenges, an increased risk of tooth decay and other oral hygiene issues.

An oral surgeon can perform one of two relatively easy procedures to free your child’s tongue. 

Bellevue Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery’s mission is to improve oral and maxillofacial conditions, whatever they may be. We pride ourselves on our never-ending ability to fulfill our mission to provide superior patient care. For more information about how we can help you, please call us today to arrange an appointment.

By Bellevue Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

February 28, 2024