The Tiny String Under the Tongue: Its Impact on Nursing, Speech, Feeding, and More

Tongue-Tied: How a Tiny String Under the Tongue Impacts Nursing, Speech, Feeding, and More

by Richard Baxter DMD MS

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26168 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The frenulum is a small, thin piece of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It is present in all humans, and it plays an important role in speech, feeding, and nursing.

The Frenulum and Nursing

The frenulum can have a significant impact on breastfeeding. If the frenulum is too short or tight, it can restrict the baby's ability to latch on to the breast and suck effectively. This can lead to a number of problems, including:

• Nipple pain and damage
• Low milk supply
• Poor weight gain in the baby

If you are having difficulty breastfeeding and suspect that your baby may have a tongue-tie, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess the frenulum and determine if it is causing problems.

The Frenulum and Speech

The frenulum can also affect speech. If the frenulum is too short or tight, it can restrict the movement of the tongue. This can make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds, such as "r" and "l." Speech therapy can help to improve speech in children with tongue-tie.

The Frenulum and Feeding

In addition to nursing and speech, the frenulum can also affect feeding. If the frenulum is too short or tight, it can make it difficult for the baby to suck on a bottle or eat solid foods. This can lead to feeding difficulties, such as:

• Choking
• Gagging
• Poor weight gain

If you are having difficulty feeding your baby and suspect that they may have a tongue-tie, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.

Treatment for Tongue-Tie

The treatment for tongue-tie is a simple surgical procedure called a frenotomy. A frenotomy involves cutting the frenulum to release the tongue. The procedure is typically performed in a doctor's office or clinic and takes only a few minutes. In most cases, there is no need for anesthesia.

After a frenotomy, the baby will be able to nurse, speak, and eat more easily. The procedure can also improve the baby's overall health and well-being.

The frenulum is a small, but important part of the body. It can have a significant impact on nursing, speech, feeding, and overall health and well-being. If you suspect that your child may have a tongue-tie, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.

Tongue-Tied: How a Tiny String Under the Tongue Impacts Nursing, Speech, Feeding, and More

by Richard Baxter DMD MS

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26168 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE