Tongue-Tie
What is tongue-tie?
A tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia) is a condition where the lingual frenulum minimises the tongue’s range of motion. This band of tissue (lingual frenulum) connects the tip of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth.
Russell Medical Centre is a Brisbane based clinic dedicated to providing professional and caring tongue release service resulting in successful outcomes for both breast and bottle feeding mums. We have over 28 years’ experience specialising in tongue-tie release (both anterior and posterior) using the scissor release technique.
We educate parents using fact-based information at the time of consultation and examination.
To date, we are proud to have assisted over 11,000 mothers and their babies with tongue-ties and lip-tie releases.
What are the symptoms of a tongue-tie?
Mother’s experience
- having difficulty feeding
- nipple trauma
- poor milk transfer to baby
- experiences a reduction of milk supply.
- mastitis
Baby’s experience
- not latching to mother’s nipple
- chomping on nipple
- not gaining weight
- tiring rapidly
- slow feeding
- gulping air / making a clicking sound
- not satisfied for long after feeding
- bloated with wind
- baby can experience digestive problems.
Potential symptoms of tongue-tie
- child develops speech problems.
- child dental hygiene suffers
- problems eating solid food
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for both you and your baby, but at times it can be hard and the reasons for this are varied. Tongue-tie is only one potential reason why difficulties are experienced.
The benefits of tongue-tie release
Where tongue-tie is the sole cause of breastfeeding difficulties, the benefits after releasing the tongue-tie typically include:
Immediate benefits
- Better attaching and sucking for baby
- Shorter feeding times
- Satisfied for longer
- Less painful for mum
Future benefits
- Better tongue movement
- Better with solids
- Less speech impediments
- Less dental problems
The main risks of tongue-tie release
- Readhesion / residual tissue / scarring – This can be minimized by performing special exercises post procedure but can still occur despite all efforts. Our doctor will walk you through this information at the time of consultation.
- Discomfort – This should be minimal. Mouth wounds heal very quickly and there should be no need for any pain relief after the procedure.
- Bleeding – This is usually very minor and settles within a few minutes after the procedure.
- Infection – Mouths heal really well so the risk of infection is very low.
- Damage to other structures in the mouth - including but not limited to the tongue, salivary glands and lingual nerve. The risk of this is exceptionally low.
Brisbane’s most experienced provider
With over 50 years of experience and over 73,000 procedures performed, you can trust Russell Medical to deliver the very best in quality and service.
One of our friendly team will contact you within 8 business hours.
