04/08/2025
# # # **Facebook Post**
**🌟 Attention Parents! Is Your Baby Struggling with Feeding or Speech? It Could Be a Tongue Tie! 🌟**
Hi, I’m Dr. Hasan Mahmud, a pediatric surgeon. As a parent, I know how worrying it can be when your child faces feeding or speech challenges. Today, let’s demystify **tongue tie (ankyloglossia)**—a common but often overlooked condition—and empower you with knowledge!
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# # # # **🔍 What is Tongue Tie?**
Tongue tie occurs when the thin tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) is too tight, restricting movement. This can impact:
- **Breastfeeding**: Poor latch, clicking sounds, prolonged feeds, or ni**le pain .
- **Speech**: Difficulty pronouncing sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” or “r” .
- **Oral Health**: Mouth breathing, dental crowding, or trouble swallowing .
- **Development**: Jaw alignment issues or sleep disruptions .
**👉 Not all ties are visible!** If your child shows these signs, consult a pediatric dentist or ENT specialist for assessment .
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# # # # **💡 Management: From Therapy to Surgery**
**1️⃣ Non-Surgical Approaches**
- **Lactation Support**: Work with a lactation consultant to improve feeding techniques .
- **Bodywork**: Chiropractors or osteopaths can relieve muscle tension in the head/neck .
- **Myofunctional Therapy**: Exercises to strengthen the tongue (e.g., “tongue lifts” or “side-to-side sweeps”) .
**2️⃣ Surgical Options**
- **Frenotomy**: Quick snipping for infants ( ✅ *Dr. Charugundla’s note: Z-plasty minimizes post-op exercises, easing recovery for young kids* .
**⚠️ Important**: Surgery is *only* recommended if symptoms persist after non-surgical efforts .
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# # # # **❤️ Pre- & Post-Op Care: Your Role is Crucial!**
If surgery is needed, **daily exercises** prevent reattachment:
- **Pre-Op**: Gentle massages (cheeks, lips, gums) to prepare tissues .
- **Post-Op**:
- **Intra-oral stretches**: Lift tongue sideways 3–5x/day for 2 weeks .
- **Sucking drills**: Use pacifiers to promote mobility .
- **Feeding**: Breastfeed immediately after frenotomy to soothe and enhance healing .
> ✨ *Pro Tip*: Keep sessions calm! Pair exercises with cuddles or songs to reduce stress .
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# # # # **🌱 Early Intervention Matters!**
Untreated tongue ties can lead to long-term challenges in speech, nutrition, and self-esteem. **If you suspect a tie**:
1. **Don’t self-diagnose**—seek a professional evaluation .
2. **Build a team**: Pediatricians, dentists, and therapists provide holistic care .
3. **Trust your instincts**: You know your child best!
> *“A small step today can transform your child’s tomorrow.”* —Dr. Hasan Mahmud
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**📞 Let’s Connect!**
For personalized advice, visit our clinic or DM us. Share this post to spread awareness! 👇
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