Correct Tongue Tie Examination

It can be tricky to know if your baby has a tongue or lip tie because we are not trained to exam our babies for this type of problem. When you are breastfeeding, all you may know is that your baby is not latching on correctly, but you may not know why. These 3 examination tips by Dr. Strutz can help you to know what she is looking for when she examines your baby.  

1. First, when the examination begins, having great light is critical. This will allow the dentist to be able to see inside your baby’s tiny mouth. If you are looking yourself to determine if a tongue-tie exists prior to an exam, it is recommended you use a light that allows you to use your hands and give you a great view of their mouth.
2. The dentist then needs to correctly position the baby. It is recommended by Dr. Judy Strutz to have your baby lie across your lap with their head in her lap. This allows the dentist to be able to see into their mouth as well as evaluate the tension of the frenulum. At home you can position your infant on the bed, facing away from you.

3.     Once the baby is properly positioned, the examination can begin. By assessing the tightness of the frenulum, Dr. Strutz can determine if your baby has a lip or tongue-tie. Once the examination is complete, this will give the doctor the information she needs in order to determine the appropriate next steps. At home, you are also looking at the tightness of the tongue and lips, but generally a mom knows because of pain or discomfort when breastfeeding or by symptoms that baby experiences such as clicking, popping off the breast or an inability to be satisfied.

If you think, your baby may have a lip or tongue tie, and you are struggling to breastfeed due to latching issues, contact Dr. Strutz and her team today.