Dubai, UAE – Tongue tie is a common congenital condition that affects around 11% of newborns worldwide. Babies born with a tongue tie will have an abnormally short lingual frenulum- a tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth- restricting the motion of the tongue.

Generally, a tongue tie is not considered a serious condition. Even so, babies with tongue ties may show difficulties with feeding early on. Untreated tongue ties are often connected with speech difficulties and improper oral hygiene in toddlers and older children.

Tongue ties basically fall under two categories- anterior and posterior. While the anterior tongue ties are easier to spot and lie near the baby’s gum line, a posterior tongue tie lies further deep inside the mouth, making it hard to notice immediately.

“The location of the abnormally short lingual frenulum is what differentiates a posterior tongue tie from an anterior one,” says Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, pediatric specialist and lip and tongue tie surgeon in Dubai. “In both cases, early diagnosis and treatment will help alleviate the common symptoms and help ensure the overall health and wellbeing of the child.”

A posterior tongue tie is referred to as a Type III or Type IV tongue tie. Babies with type III tongue tie will have a thin membrane present, restricting the moment of the tongue. Type IV tongue tie is often missed out by parents as there is no visible membrane holding the tongue down. Even so, type IV tongue tie will restrict lifting the middle of the tongue. Newborns with posterior tongue ties show the same symptoms as those with anterior tongue ties. This includes-

Difficulty with latching and breastfeeding
Slow weight gain due to reduced nourishment
Constant hunger and fussiness
The child’s mother may suffer from sore or cracked nipples, breast engorgement, and reduced milk supply

Untreated posterior tongue ties in toddlers may affect their ability to speak clearly. The reduced mobility of their tongue can also interfere with their ability to eat certain foods and keep their mouth clean after meals. The posterior tongue tie will also keep the tongue in a position closer to the bottom of the mouth. “If you experience feeding issues and suspect a tongue tie, it’s best to get your baby checked at the earliest and get it treated,” continues Dr. Medhat.

Pediatricians in Dubai offer a simple tongue tie surgery to free the lingual frenulum and regain the tongue's mobility. At myPediaclinic in Dubai, newborns can now receive a radio frequency technology based frenectomy, which is minimally invasive and has less bleeding. In some mild cases, surgery may not be necessary at all and the tongue tie may resolve on its own as the child grows.

For more information on tongue ties and to book a pediatric consultation with Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, visit the myPediaclinic website today.

About My Pedia Clinic:
myPediaclinic is a multi-specialist pediatric clinic in Dubai offering a wide range of healthcare services for young patients. The specialties include pediatrics, orthodontists, pediatric dentistry, and nutrition. As one of the most trusted and kid-friendly clinics in the country, the doctors and staff at myPediaclinic are focused on delivering quality treatment and consultation for the long-term health and well-being of their patients.