About Tongue Ties

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is caused by a tight or short lingual frenulum (the tissue membrane that connects and anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth). A short lingual frenulum can restrict tongue mobility. If left untreated, some tongue ties can lead to issues for both mother and baby. Restricted tongue mobility can cause nipple pain and damage with breastfeeding, lipstick shaped nipples after latching, low milk supply, oversupply issues, clogged ducts, and/or mastitis for mothers. Tongue ties can cause slow weight gain, excess swallowing of gas due to ineffective latch, colic, inability to latch on the breast, clicking sounds when breastfeeding, choking with fast let-downs, falling asleep frequently when eating, frequently wanting to breastfeed, and overall fussiness for babies. As a baby matures, restricted tongues can lead to speech delays/issues, oral food aversions, dental issues, gum recession, sleep issues, sleep apnea, snoring, and ADHD.

Are you experiencing pain while breastfeeding, possibly combined with slow weight gain for your baby? While the vast majority of such breastfeeding problems can be resolved by adjusting positioning and attachment, and with good breastfeeding management, occasionally tongue tie might be the cause of the problem.

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is caused by a tight or short lingual frenulum (the membrane that anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth). The frenulum normally thins and recedes before birth. Where this doesn’t happen, the frenulum may restrict tongue mobility. Tongue tie often runs in families and is thought to be more common in boys than girls. There is an association between high or unusual palates and tongue tie, because restricted tongue movement can affect the shape of the palate.

We are a collaborative group of providers that work as a team to provide the most up to date evidence-based treatment for babies with tongue ties. Where we stand out-we provide a oral assessment and suck evaluation to decide the best course of treatment for your child. We provide lactation support, in addition to weighted feeds, to ensure that your baby is thriving.