Let Talk About Tongue Ties
This 7-day old baby just had a tongue tie and lip tie release. Mom says, “I can’t tell you what a change it’s done for the babies latch. His lower lip used to curl in and upper lip was tight when he would latch causing some discomfort for me when feeding. I’d use my fingers to flare out his lips but they were like tight elastic bands. Now, immediately after the tongue and lip tie release his lips flare out and form a soft suction and his swallow is efficient with no more air intake noises. Happy mom and happy baby”
• The mobility of the tongue is very important during breastfeeding, both for the mother and the baby.
• A baby with a tied tongue may not be able to latch deeply onto the breast, past the nipple onto the areola.
• This compresses the nipple onto the hard palate in the baby’s mouth, leading to nipple pain and skin breakdown for the mother.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TONGUE AND LIP TIES
Some babies with tongue ties and lip ties are able to attach to the breast and suck well. However, many of these infants have breastfeeding problems. The following signs are common amongst infants with tongue and lip ties and their mothers. However, it is important to note that these signs can be linked to other breastfeeding problems and are not solely related to ties.
Mothers may experience:
• flattened nipples after breastfeeding
• nipple pain and damage
• prolonged feedings
• poor breast drainage
• decreased milk production
Infants may exhibit:
• noisy suckling or clicking
• popping on and off the breast
• leaking on the sides of the mouth
• poor weight gain
• coughing or gagging
• lip blisters
• gas pain
• noisy breathing/snoring sounds when sleeping
• reflux or colic symptoms
Call Drew Dental for more information. 831-688-6060
