- Addresses tongue-tie in infants, affecting breastfeeding
- Procedure recommended early, post careful evaluation
- Not linked to preventing future speech disorders
- Frenotomy and frenectomy are synonymous terms
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TranscriptA frenotomy, also known as a lingual frenotomy or frenectomy, is a procedure designed to treat tongue-tie, medically termed ankyloglossia, in infants. This condition restricts the movement of the infant's tongue, which can cause complications with breastfeeding or chestfeeding. In some cases, a simple adjustment in breastfeeding techniques or the baby's latch can provide a solution, making a frenotomy unnecessary. However, when tongue-tie results in painful latching, difficulties in latching, or complications with milk transfer, a frenotomy emerges as the optimal treatment.
Healthcare professionals typically recommend that if a frenotomy is needed, it should be performed early in the infant's life, often within the first month. This recommendation is made after a careful evaluation by a pediatrician and lactation consultant to determine the appropriateness of the procedure for each individual case.
It is vital to note that the association between tongue-tie and future speech disorders is not supported by scientific evidence. Older children with tongue-tie who experience speech difficulties do not typically benefit from a frenotomy; instead, speech therapy is the suggested course of action. Consequently, the procedure is not recommended as a preventative measure for potential speech issues in infants.
The human mouth contains multiple frenula, which are connective tissues linking different parts of the mouth, such as the upper lip to the upper gum. However, only the lingual frenulum, located beneath the tongue, is considered for cutting in the context of breastfeeding issues.
Lastly, it is important to clarify that the terms frenotomy and frenectomy are interchangeable, referring to the same procedure where a fold of tissue in the baby's mouth is gently released. The choice of terminology bears no impact on the method or results of the procedure, much like the difference between saying "trim" or "clip" when referring to cutting fingernails. The process of relieving the lingual frenulum remains consistent, with the objective of facilitating better tongue movement for the infant.
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