Tongue-Tie Division (Infant)

Tongue-tie division, also known as frenotomy or frenulotomy, is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the lingual frenulum, a piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This procedure is typically performed on infants who have a condition called ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie.

What is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie is a congenital condition where the lingual frenulum is too short or too tight, restricting the movement of the tongue. This can cause difficulties with breastfeeding, eating, and speaking. Infants with tongue-tie may experience problems latching onto the breast, leading to feeding difficulties and discomfort for both the mother and baby.

Symptoms of Tongue-Tie in Infants

• Difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle
• Poor feeding patterns, such as clicking sounds while nursing or bottle-feeding
• Slow weight gain or failure to thrive
• Fussiness or irritability during feedings
• Mother's nipple pain or trauma during breastfeeding
• Difficulty extending the tongue past the lower gum line

Tongue-Tie Division Procedure

The procedure is typically performed in a doctor's office or clinic and takes only a few minutes to complete. The steps involved are:

1. The infant is swaddled and positioned to minimize movement.
2. A topical anesthetic, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, may be applied to the area to numb it.
3. The doctor uses sterile scissors or a laser to cut the lingual frenulum.
4. The procedure is usually painless and does not require stitches.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

After the procedure, the infant may be fussy due to the brief discomfort caused by the procedure. However, this typically resolves quickly. The following aftercare steps are recommended:

• Monitor the infant for any signs of bleeding or infection.
• Apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean gauze for a few minutes if bleeding occurs.
• Follow a normal feeding schedule, and breastfeeding can usually resume immediately after the procedure.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor to assess the infant's progress and address any concerns.

Risks and Complications

While tongue-tie division is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of:

• Bleeding or hematoma at the site of the procedure
• Infection, although rare
• Temporary discomfort or pain for the infant
• Recurrence of tongue-tie if the frenulum grows back

Benefits of Tongue-Tie Division

The benefits of tongue-tie division include:

• Improved breastfeeding outcomes and reduced nipple pain for mothers
• Enhanced feeding patterns and weight gain for infants
• Reduced risk of speech difficulties and other oral motor problems later in life
• Increased comfort and ease of feeding for both the mother and baby