Dear parents, if you are considering the role of the frenulum of the tongue in your child's development, it is worth knowing that it is crucial. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential.
What is the frenulum of the tongue and what are its functions?
The frenulum of the tongue is a thin, fibrous tissue that connects two parts of the bodysuch as sublingual, labial and buccal frenum. Its functions include:
- Changing the position of the lips and tongue,
- Maintaining adequate muscle tone,
- Assist in the chewing process.
Sometimes the frenulum is malformedwhich limits its function. The tissue may be too short or overdeveloped.
Symptoms of a too-short frenulum in infants:
- Maternal nipple pain,
- Slow infant weight gain,
- Lactation problems,
- Nervousness and interruptions in sucking,
- Turning and strutting while eating,
- White residue on the tongue,
- Urolithiasis and aerophagia,
- Smacking, clicking, clacking while sucking,
- High fatigue with breastfeeding.
Frenotomy - undercutting of the frenulum:
- No medical indications,
- Blood clotting problems,
- Respiratory tract infections,
- Allergies to anaesthetics.
Summary:
Correct tongue mobility is important from the first days of life. In children with too short a frenulum may occur difficulties with eating solid food, malocclusion, speech problemsand consequently problems in peer relationships and low self-esteem.
Do not hesitate to consult our neurologists. Diagnosis takes only 45 minutesand perhaps significantly improve the quality of life for your child and yourself.
