Clicking, Colic, Cracked Nipples: Feeding Problems And Tongue Tie

Persistent feeding challenges may point to dental issues. Difficulty latching and frequent clicking sounds may be tongue-tie symptoms in babies. On average, it affects between 1.7% and 10.7% of infants. Fortunately, it is not a life-threatening condition. It remains very treatable if addressed early on.

If nursing has been difficult, a tongue-tie and lip-tie evaluation can help determine whether restrictive oral tissues or another underlying issue is the cause.

What Is a Tongue Tie and How Does It Affect Feeding?

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, refers to the condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually short. The tight connection will restrict tongue movement.

Tongue-tie problem for babies

Babies rely heavily on extending their tongue to create the suction for effective feeding.  With a tongue tie, they are not able to fully extend their tongue. This makes breastfeeding difficult.

Some infants experience only mild symptoms and can still transfer milk without treatment. However, those with more severe symptoms may struggle to eat. It leads to frustration for parents and can endanger the child’s long-term growth.

Common Feeding Problems That May Signal a Tongue Tie

Learning about the symptoms is the first step to protecting your baby’s well-being. Here are the signs that might indicate tongue-tie feeding problems.

• Clicking or smacking sounds during feeding
• Difficulty maintaining a latch
• Prolonged feeding sessions
• Poor weight gain
• Frequent swallowing of air
• Milk leaking from the corners of the mouth
• Cracked or painful nipples during breastfeeding

You may notice some or all of the symptoms together. It depends on the severity of the restriction. Also, these symptoms do not exclusively point to a tongue tie. It could also be caused by another medical condition. That’s why a professional assessment is important for an accurate diagnosis.

Signs Parents May Notice Beyond Feeding Difficulties

Tongue-tie symptoms in babies go beyond feeding. You may observe a few abnormalities in their growth and daily activities, including:

• A possible heart-shaped tongue when extended due to tight tissue pulling
• Difficulty sticking out their tongue
• Difficulty lifting it toward the roof of the mouth
• Inability to make certain sounds in toddlers
• Slower growth than average infants

Growing children may experience more speech-related concerns. They may also have more challenges with certain oral movements.

Why Tongue Tie Is Sometimes Missed

The signs of tongue tie can be rather subtle. A lot of parents don’t recognize them until the child is much older. It is important to note that a tongue tie does not develop post-birth. All babies were born with the condition. Researchers also believe it could be genetic. Therefore, parents with a similar medical history should pay extra attention to the infant.

Parents attribute the challenges to breastfeeding

Parents may not always attribute the symptoms to this condition. First-time parents might think the breastfeeding challenges come from a lack of skills. It can be hard to spot the differences until the toddler starts speaking or practicing other oral movements.

The severity of symptoms

The symptoms can vary greatly from one infant to another. Some babies may not consistently struggle with breastfeeding. It all makes prompt diagnosis challenging.

Wrong conclusion from self-diagnosis

Some parents may try to self-diagnose the issue. A lot of factors can contribute to breastfeeding issues. They might not diagnose the cause correctly.

How Tongue Tie Is Diagnosed

A formal tongue-tie diagnosis begins with a thorough examination of the baby’s mouth. The dentist will track the tongue movement with tools and observation. They will also evaluate feeding behavior and other symptoms the parents notice.

A complete assessment may include:

• Reviewing birth and family medical history
• Observing breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
• Examining tongue mobility
• Assessing latch quality
• Discussing weight gain and feeding patterns

Treatment Options and When Intervention May Help

A suitable treatment option will depend on the severity of the restriction. Milder conditions can usually improve with lactation support. Infants with a more serious condition may still be corrected with a simple procedure called frenotomy. It is a snip of the tightened tissues. Infants have few nerves there. Therefore, the procedure is generally very safe and does not require anesthesia.

For older children, additional support may be necessary:

• Speech therapies
• Airway assessment
• Potential surgery

Prompt intervention will also be the most effective. You should bring your child in for an examination for any concerns. Discuss the potential benefits and risks with your provider. They will help you choose a suitable option.

In conclusion

Tongue-tie feeding problems will not go away on their own. It requires professional help. Parents should pay attention to the warning signs. Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible if there are persistent signs.