When examining a baby for tongue-tie, you can observe the appearance of their tongue. A tongue-tied baby may have a distinctive tongue shape that resembles a little heart. This unique shape is caused by the presence of a short or thick tissue, known as the frenulum, which connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
The frenulum is a thin band of tissue that usually stretches and allows for normal tongue movement. However, in cases of tongue-tie, the frenulum is abnormally tight or restrictive. This restriction can affect the baby’s ability to fully extend or move their tongue freely.
To visualize what a tongue-tied tongue looks like, imagine a regular tongue with a triangular tip. In contrast, a tongue with tongue-tie has a tip that appears more heart-shaped or notched. This is due to the frenulum pulling the tip downward or restricting its movement.
It is important to note that tongue-tie can vary in severity. In some cases, the frenulum may only slightly limit tongue movement and be difficult to detect visually. In more severe cases, the frenulum may be visibly thick, short, or extend far towards the tip of the tongue.
It’s worth mentioning that tongue-tie can also be accompanied by other symptoms or signs, such as difficulty latching during breastfeeding, poor weight gain, clicking noises while feeding, excessive drooling, or speech difficulties as the child grows older.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or a lactation consultant, if you suspect your baby may have tongue-tie. They can provide a thorough examination and offer guidance on the best course of action, which may include a referral to a specialist for further evaluation and potential treatment options.