Sublingual frenulum undercutting in children: when is it needed and how does it work?

The sublingual frenulum is a topic that may seem a bit mysterious, but it is extremely important for the proper functioning of our body. Although we do not pay attention to them on a daily basis, its role in processes such as speech or feeding babies is invaluable. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this small but important anatomical structure, understand its importance, and find out what problems can arise from its abnormal structure. I invite you to read it, which will dispel many doubts and help you better understand this aspect of our health.

• The sublingual frenulum is a small fold of mucous membrane that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, allowing it to move freely.
• Shortening of the frenulum, known as ankyloglossia, can lead to sucking problems in babies and speech difficulties in older children.
• Causes of shortening include genetic predisposition and abnormal development in the fetal period.
• Symptoms of a shortened frenulum include difficulty sucking the breast, lisping and swallowing problems.
• Frenulum undercutting is recommended when the shortened frenulum leads to health problems, such as feeding or speech difficulties.
• Treatment methods include the use of a scalpel or laser, and the procedure is quick and usually safe.
• Post-treatment includes tongue exercises, massages, and oral hygiene to promote healing.
• The advantages of the procedure include improved sucking function and correction of speech defects, which affects the child’s speech and communication development.
• The risks associated with the procedure are minimal, but they may include infections or improper wound healing.
• It is always a good idea to consult a specialist before deciding on the procedure to adapt it to the individual needs of the child.

What is the sublingual frenulum?

The sublingual frenulum is a small fold of mucous membrane that connects the lower surface of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. It is an anatomical structure that plays an important role in the proper functioning of the tongue. It allows the tongue to move freely in the mouth, which is essential for effective sucking in infants and for clear articulation of speech in older children. The correct length and flexibility of the frenulum allows for a full range of tongue movements, which is crucial for the development of communication and nutrition skills.

To identify the sublingual frenulum, simply lift the tongue upwards – then it becomes visible as a thin strip of tissue. If it is shortened, there may be difficulties with lifting the tip of the tongue to the palate, which can lead to problems with the pronunciation of some sounds.

• In infants, a shortened frenulum may manifest itself in difficulties in sucking the breast, which often results in switching to artificial feeding.
• In older children, it can cause lisps and swallowing problems.

Therefore, it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of this structure and its importance for the health of the child.

Why does the sublingual frenulum shorten?

Shortening of the sublingual frenulum, also known as ankyloglossia, can have various causes. One of the main factors is genetic predisposition. In many cases, a shortened frenulum is the result of inheriting traits from parents. Genetics play an important role here, because abnormalities in the structure of the frenulum can be passed down from generation to generation. In addition to genetic factors, there are other possible causes of this condition, such as abnormal development in the fetal period. It is worth noting that the shortening of the frenulum can be noticeable already in newborns, which allows for quick intervention and avoidance of further complications.

Early recognition of the symptoms of a shortened frenulum is crucial for the proper development of the child. These symptoms can include difficulty sucking the breast, which often leads to feeding problems. Children with a shortened frenulum may also experience difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, which affects speech development.

• Sucking difficulties – the baby can get tired quickly during feeding and fall asleep easily.
• Pronunciation problems – lisping or difficulty articulating certain sounds.

It is worth observing these symptoms and consulting a specialist if there are any concerns about the child’s development.

Indications for sublingual frenulum incision

Sublingual frenulum undercutting is often recommended in situations where the shortened frenulum leads to health problems in the child. One of the most common symptoms is difficulty breastfeeding. The baby may have trouble grasping the nipple properly, leading to pain and irritation in the mother’s nipples and fatigue and frustration in the infant. In such cases, it is worth consulting a lactation consultant or paediatrician, who can assess the situation and suggest an appropriate solution.

Another important indication for the procedure is pronunciation problems. A shortened frenulum can limit the mobility of the tongue, which affects the child’s ability to articulate sounds correctly. Children with a shortened frenulum often have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, which can lead to lisps. It is worth paying attention to the following symptoms:

• Difficulty sucking – the baby gets tired quickly during feeding.
• Shallower nipple gripping – which causes pain in the mother.
• Problems with pronunciation – especially when pronouncing sounds that require raising the tongue.

Frenulum cutting can significantly improve a child’s quality of life, eliminating these problems and supporting their speech and sucking skills. However, it is important to make the decision about the procedure after consulting specialists who will carefully assess the child’s needs.

How does the frenulum undercutting procedure work?

Sublingual frenulum undercutting is a medical procedure that aims to improve tongue mobility, which is crucial for the proper development of speech and sucking in children. This treatment can be performed using various methods, such as a scalpel or laser. Each of these techniques has its own unique features and benefits. Scalpel is a traditional method that requires precise cutting, while laser offers a more modern approach that is often less invasive and involves shorter healing times. Regardless of the method chosen, the procedure usually takes a few minutes and does not require stitches.

Sublingual frenulum undercutting is considered safe and rarely leads to complications. Before performing it, the doctor carefully assesses the child’s health and any contraindications. After the procedure, it is important to follow oral care recommendations to ensure proper wound healing. Recommended actions include:

• Tongue exercises that help prevent adhesions from forming.
• Massages of the area after the treatment, which support the healing process.
• Taking care of oral hygiene to avoid infections.

Thanks to these activities, the child can quickly return to full fitness, and parents can be confident about their health and development.

Recommendations after the procedure

After the sublingual frenulum undercutting procedure, it is extremely important to take proper care of the oral cavity and perform regular tongue exercises. These exercises help prevent adhesions from forming, which can limit the mobility of the tongue. It is recommended to perform gentle massages of the area after the procedure, which supports proper wound healing. It is also worth remembering a few simple rules regarding diet and oral hygiene:

• Avoid hard and spicy foods that can irritate the area after the procedure.
• Use a soft toothbrush and gently brush your teeth and gums.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mouth hydrated.

The wound healing process is usually quick and without complications, but it is worth being vigilant for any disturbing symptoms, such as excessive pain or swelling. Regular check-ups with a specialist will help monitor the progress of healing and possibly adjust recommendations for further care. Remember that proper care after the procedure is crucial to achieving the best results and full recovery.

Is it worth opting for the procedure?

The decision to cut the sublingual frenulum in a child can raise many questions and doubts. This procedure, although relatively simple, has both benefits and some risks. The main advantages include improved sucking function in infants and correction of speech impediments in older children. Thanks to this, babies can better absorb milk from the breast, which is important for their proper development. In addition, improving articulation can significantly affect the development of speech and social communication.

However, like any medical procedure, frenulum cutting also involves certain risks. Although complications are rare, it is worth being aware of the possibility of problems such as infections or improper wound healing. Specialists’ opinions agree that the procedure is safe if it is carried out by an experienced doctor. Many parents share positive experiences after the procedure, noticing a significant improvement in the daily functioning of their children. Before making a decision, it is worth consulting an ENT specialist or speech therapist and weighing all the pros and cons.

• Benefits: improved sucking, correction of speech impediments
• Risks: possibility of infection, improper healing

Remember that each situation is different and the decision should be tailored to the individual needs of the child.

Summary

The sublingual frenulum is a small fold of mucous membrane that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. Its correct length and flexibility are essential for the free movement of the tongue, which is important for sucking in babies and speech articulation in children. Shortening of the frenulum can lead to speech problems and difficulties in breastfeeding, which often results in switching to artificial feeding. Parents should be aware of the importance of this structure for the health of the child.

Shortening of the frenulum, known as ankyloglossia, can be due to genetics or abnormal fetal development. Early recognition of symptoms such as sucking difficulties or speech problems is important for the child’s development. Frenulum cutting surgery can improve the baby’s quality of life by eliminating these problems. The decision about the procedure should be made after consultation with specialists who will assess the child’s needs and advise the best solution.

FAQ

What are other potential causes of sublingual frenulum shortening besides genetics?

In addition to genetic factors, shortening of the sublingual frenulum can be the result of abnormal development during the fetal period. This can be related to various environmental or health factors that affect the development of the baby before birth.

Are there alternative treatments for shortened sublingual frenulum?

In some cases, speech therapy or special tongue exercises can be tried before you decide to undergo surgery. These methods can help increase the flexibility and mobility of the tongue, although their effectiveness depends on the degree of shortening of the frenulum.

Is frenulum cutting painful for the baby?

The procedure is usually short and performed using local anesthesia, which minimizes pain. Children may experience some discomfort after surgery, but they usually return to normal functioning quickly.

How long does it take to recover after frenulum undercutting surgery?

The wound healing process after the procedure is usually fast, often after a few days the child returns to full fitness. However, it is important to follow oral care recommendations and perform the recommended tongue exercises.

Are there any long-term side effects of frenulum undercutting surgery?

This procedure is generally safe and rarely leads to complications. In the long term, babies usually do not experience any negative side effects, and improving language function has benefits in both speech and feeding.

When is the best time to perform frenulum cutting in a child?

The best time to perform the procedure is in infancy or early childhood, when sucking or pronunciation problems are most pronounced. It is worth consulting a specialist to assess the individual needs of the child.

Can adults also have a shortened sublingual frenulum?

Yes, ankyloglossia can also occur in adults. This can lead to speech problems or difficulty eating. In such cases, corrective surgery can also be considered.