This story originally appeared on the Local Moms Network.
Breastfeeding moms: Have you heard of tongue-tie? If you decide to breastfeed your baby, there are many things you’ll do to be successful and comfortable: moderate your milk supply, treat sore nipples, and try various feeding positions, for instance. Sometimes, though, the discomfort goes even further and your pediatrician or lactation consultant steps in to help. According to breastfeeding advocate La Leche League, a shallow latch or distorted nipples are a sign that your baby has tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia. The condition means the tongue or lips are too closely tethered to the mouth, and roughly 10% of babies have a tongue-tie, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The controversy surrounding tongue-ties centers on whether a surgical tongue-tie release, or snipping the connective tissue, is necessary. In fact, the surgery is skyrocketing in popularity. A recent New York Times article reported a huge spike in tongue-tie release surgeries, and even went so far as to suggest a nefarious relationship between the pediatricians and lactation consultants who recommend the surgery and the dentists who perform them.
Dr. Christopher Gibson, a pediatric dentist in Jefferson Valley, New York performs tongue-tie releases. Dr. Gibson says it’s critical for parents to have detailed conversations with their pediatric dentist before they make a decision, and input from others like their pediatrician is a great idea, too.
Do all tongue ties need to be treated? How do you decide if a baby needs a tongue tie released?
Not all tongue ties require treatment. A tongue tie release should only be recommended when there is an anatomical AND functional need. A comprehensive exam, in addition to a thorough discussion with parents regarding symptoms and goals of treatment, is critical prior to any potential release.
What does recovery look like? What should parents look for in terms of complications?
After completing a tongue tie release, some minor discomfort can be expected for a few days afterwards. The oral environment is a great place for healing, so generally complications are minimal! As part of the healing process, parents should expect to complete a stretching regimen for the tongue and/or lip (as demonstrated by the provider) for 2-3 weeks to help ensure an optimal healing result for the child.
What are the benefits you have seen in the babies you have personally treated?
Benefits of treatment include stronger latch, improved feeding efficiency, greater comfort for both mother and baby, and decreased gassiness and irritability after feeding.
A recent New York Times article suggests a questionable relationship between some doctors who perform tongue tie releases and the people who refer cases to them. Is it common practice to pay lactation consultants for referring clients to doctors?
Paying for referrals is definitely not a common practice, nor is it appropriate. Lactation consultants are an integral part of the collaborative team approach to improving feeding, a team that can also include pediatric dentists, pediatricians, feeding therapists, chiropractors, and speech and language pathologists. This collaborative approach helps to achieve the best possible results for families and their children.
Share your advice to help parents find a trustworthy doctor. What questions do you suggest parents ask? Any red flags they should look out for?
Finding a provider that you are comfortable working with is paramount. Having a referral from somebody that you trust, whether it is your pediatrician or other specialist, can help to ease the fear of working with a new provider. Additionally, any consultation for tongue release should include a thoughtful and substantive conversation with the doctor regarding symptoms, treatment options, and goals of treatment prior to any procedure being performed. Important questions to ask can include how the procedure is performed, what to expect after the procedure, and any recommendations for follow-up visits to help ensure an optimal result.
You can learn more about Dr. Christopher Gibson on his practice’s website or follow Jefferson Valley Pediatric Dentistry on Instagram.
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