We have all been seeing a viral post about a baby with a white patch appearing like teeth (blanching) on the gum
But are those exactly teeth?
No
What you are seeing is tissue blanching created by the pressure during feeding.In this case it is associated with a condition called as"Tongue tie" . Most people are unaware about it but it can severely affect feeding,breathing, oral function and overall development.
What exactly is a Tongue tie?
Also known as Ankyloglossia. It is a condition present since birth(congenital) where a band of tissue is attached from the bottom the tongue to the floor of the mouth.It can be short,thick or tight.
Lactating mother’s may have to deal with nipple pain, cracking and bleeding also.
Snoring while sleeping
-In Childern:
Speech difficulty
Difficulty clearing food from teeth
Difficulty licking
It also affects the facial growth and breathing
Snoring while sleeping
Challenges with proper swallowing pattern
Does it affect facial growth and breathing?
Yes,Normally tongue rests over the roof of the palate but due to restricted tongue movement it gets difficult to put the tongue in rest position.Due to this facial growth and breathing problems may be seen in patients.
In many patients it is not diagnosed untill 2 years and noticed when baby can not speak or stuttering. Timely surgery done makes the child speek properly with the help of speech therapy.
Mostly, blanching occurs due to reduced blood flow to the specific tissue resulting in white surface and hard.Tongue-tie is also known as congenital condition results due to shortened or tight lingual frenulum.
Thus, obstruct the tongue movement leading to problematic breastfeeding, speech, swallowing, and oral hygiene.
Mostly, patients experiencing such conditions are contraindicated
with symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding disorders.
Tongue tie is the condition as described causing blanching and difficulty breastfeeding. Early interventions should be taken to prevent any development of malfunction of the the tissues. Treatment includes surgical removal of the band connecting tongue and lower jaw tissues and myofunctional rehabilitation.
Very informative post. Tongue tie may seem minor, but it can affect feeding, speech, and oral function. Early evaluation helps ensure the right care when needed.
Very informative post. Early identification of tongue tie is important, as timely evaluation and management can help prevent feeding, speech, and oral function difficulties later in life.
Very informative post. I have never heard about this condition. But as mentioned, it is true that a multidisciplinary approach can help to manage tongue tie.
Clear explanation—spreads awareness about tongue tie and its impact on feeding, speech, and growth. Early identification and proper consultation can prevent long-term complications in children.
Very well described
Tongue tie seems to be a normal condition but it plays significant role in day to day activity and can hinder the normal growing process of an infant or child.
I love that you highlighted the multidisciplinary approach. Tongue-tie management isn’t just about a quick surgical snip (frenectomy). Without post-procedure myofunctional therapy to train the tongue muscles to lift and swallow correctly, old neuromuscular habits persist, and the tissue can easily scar down and re-attach. Post-op rehab is everything.
