Tongue tie is a very common topic being discussed on mom forums and other Facebook groups related to moms and pregnancy. A few mothers face problems with breastfeeding due to tongue tie, it is advised to seek professional medical advice on the same.
Tongue tie is yet to be diagnosed properly. There are many opposing views on tongue ties and it creates a lot of confusion and anxiety. Some may feel that tongue ties can lead to feeding, speech, and dental issues too.
The problem is the absence of a proper definition to the term tongue tie. When you take your baby to the doctor to test for a tongue tie, you may hear a lot more than just a tongue tie. Your doctor may tell you any of these:
Your baby has normal oral anatomy and no tongue tie
Your baby has a tongue tie
Your baby has a mild, moderate or severe tongue tie
Your baby has a prominent lingual frenulum
Your baby’s lingual frenulum is causing a degree of tongue movement restriction
What is the difference between aa tongue tie and the other conditions mentioned above?
Your Baby Has A Normal Oral Anatomy And No Tongue Tie
When your doctor tells you your baby has a normal oral anatomy, he means that and only that. There is no need for you to worry about tongue ties or lingual frenulum. Relax and enjoy watching your baby grow.
Your Baby Has A Tongue Tie
Well, now you know your baby has a tongue tie. When your doctor informs you that your baby has a tongue tie, seek the medical help and go ahead and do what the doctor suggests. It is good to take a second opinion but don’t visit too many doctors in order to find out what more is wrong. The doctors know what they’re telling you.
Your Baby Has A Mild, Moderate Or Severe Tongue Tie
This is the confusing part. A few medical professionals say, there is no such thing as a mild tongue tie. They only believe there is either a tongue tie or there isn’t one. When your doctor delivers this statement to you, your doctor means the degree of restriction the lingual frenulum causes on the tongue movement is mild, moderate or severe. Tongue tie primarily contributes to breastfeeding, the significance of the degree decides the intensity of the breastfeeding problems.
Your Baby Has A Prominent Lingual Frenulum
Sometimes your baby’s lingual frenulum might be too prominent. This is when the doctor will tell you that your baby ahs a prominent lingual frenulum. This doesn’t essentially mean that it is causing any functional issues. A prominent lingual frenulum doesn’t cause any functional problems. Many doctors may confuse this condition with a tongue tie. It is better to get a second opinion in this case.
Your Baby’s Lingual Frenulum Is Restricting Tongue Movement
Since it is confusing to coin terms for each tiny problem, health practitioners describe oral assessments in terms of movement restriction that they feel. A few others may immediately call it as a tongue tie. Also, when a practitioner mentions any degree of restriction there is no need to get worked up. This doesn’t mean your baby has a tongue tie or other issues. There is no standard or normal degree of restriction to which your baby’s can be compared. Each individual has a different degree of restriction.
There is a lot to be known and learned about tongue ties yet. Keep your eyes and ears open and watch out for any new study in the field. Also, listen to what your doctor tells you and don’t read too much on it. Your doctor will know if there is anything wrong with your baby.
