Children with unclear pronunciation, who think "tongue tie" isn't a big problem, and even numerous myths that children with tongue tie will recover on their own as they grow up, paediatrician Dr. Chan Keung-kit shares insights on children's "tongue tie" queries.
Tongue-tiedWhat is it?
A:A frenulum (tongue tie) is the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Normally, the frenulum separates before birth. If it doesn't separate, and the frenulum is too short, too far forward, too thick, or too tight and restricts the movement of the tongue, it is called ankyloglossia, commonly known as "tongue-tie".
A: Tongue-tieIs it common in children?
A: Newborn babies weighing approximately 5% may experience this
A: What causes a 'tongue-tie'? Is it congenital? Can it develop later in life?
A:Is innate
What are the symptoms of tongue-tie? At what age is it usually discovered? How can children be tested for it themselves?
A:Symptoms are as follows:
- Ankyloglossia
- The tongue cannot rise to the upper alveolar ridge.
- The tongue cannot extend beyond the lower incisors (or interdental papilla) by one to two millimetres.
- Restricted side-to-side movement
- When the tongue is extended, the shape is hollowed or shows a "heart-shaped tongue".
- The examiner's fingers should not be placed between the lower part of the tongue and the jaw.
These behaviours can be noticed from birth.
A: Tongue-tieWhat impact does it have on children?
- Breastfeeding
- Speech ability and articulation
- Oral hygiene
- Licking lips and ice cream, playing wind instruments
Q: If children have a "tongue-tie", will it heal by itself when they grow up?
A:Some parts can heal on their own.
A：What is the treatment for a tongue-tie? How long is the recovery period?
A:– For infants under three months old: can be cut off in the ward treatment room with surgical scissors.
– Children over three months old: must undergo a genuine surgical procedure in the operating theatre under general anaesthesia.
Will the surgery have any risks?
A:Bleeding infection, salivary gland damage.
A: Tongue-tie release surgery should be performed in a hospital or clinic by a qualified medical professional. The procedure may require local or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient's age and the complexity of the procedure. Anaesthesia in children is generally safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. The risks and benefits of anaesthesia will be discussed with you by the medical team before the procedure.？
A:Newborn babies do not require anaesthesia and can be treated in the ward. However, older children require monitored anaesthesia, so this needs to be carried out in the operating theatre. Monitored anaesthesia only has a temporary effect on children and leaves them groggy, with no long-term physical repercussions.
A: What preparation is required before surgery? Do I need to fast?
A:Children usually need to fast for 6 hours before surgery.
Q: What training is required after the surgery? Will the tongue tie re-attach after being cut?
A:The connection will re-form approximately 4% after the operation, so it is recommended that you perform tongue exercises to minimise this.
What is the best age for a frenectomy?
A:There isn't a specific age, as it's decided on a case-by-case basis for each patient.
A：術後應如何飲食？
A:Newborns or young children can eat immediately after surgery. Children who have undergone surgery under monitored anaesthesia need to wait until the anaesthetic has worn off and they are fully awake. However, it is not recommended to eat hot food for the first two days.
(Article authorised for sharing by Paediatrician Dr. Chan Keung Kit)
Source: Parenting Headline (18 July 2023)
https://bit.ly/458Garv
