Tongue Tie in Babies
Tongue tie in babies is a condition that affects about 5% of all newborns, generally running in families. It is three times more common in boys than in girls. Lip ties can also co-occur, although this is not as frequent. Tongue tie or lip tie is most often diagnosed after an infant has difficulty latching on during breastfeeding. When parents see their pediatrician about this, a quick exam diagnoses a tongue tie or lip tie.
Tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, a tough band of tissue, tethers the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This restricts free movement and use of the tongue, making it difficult for the newborn to latch on during breastfeeding. It can also pose problems for speech, dental development and even restful sleep.
Infant Tongue & Lip Ties Treatment in Midtown Manhattan
Dr. Gregory Levitin at NYC Tongue Tie offers infant tongue and lip ties treatment in Midtown Manhattan. The best time to address this condition is during infancy, as soon as it is diagnosed. Dr. Levitin uses a quick, pain-free release procedure that takes no more than 10 minutes and uses a minimum of anesthesia if required.
Parents can usually hold their newborn while Dr. Levitin performs this fast and easy release procedure. Infants deal with such situations more easily than older children and once completed, there is rarely a need for a follow-up visit. Your baby can go home and begin feeding again right away. There are no sutures and no lasers used.
Benefits of Tongue Tie Release During Infancy
Tongue tie release during infancy poses several benefits. Babies can feed and get the nutrition they need without difficulty, which contributes to better health and development. As teeth begin to erupt, there is no tether to the tongue or lip to inhibit their free development. Studies have also shown that people without a tongue tie or lip tie have less chance of developing sleep apnea and get better rest at night with fewer breathing problems.
Contact the team at NYC Tongue Tie in Midtown Manhattan, and schedule an exam and consultation with Dr. Gregory Levitin. He can answer your questions and explain more about the quick and pain-free release procedure he has perfected in well over 2,500 tongue tie release cases.