How to Care for Your Child After Tongue Tie Release

Tongue ties can cause numerous problems for children but can be corrected through a quick release procedure. After treatment, your child may need to learn how to improve lip and tongue movement over time. Here are three things you can do to help your child heal and recover movement after a tongue tie release.

Feeding Adjustments
Babies may be reluctant to feed after a tongue tie release. The new sensations take time for adjustment. If you are breastfeeding and the baby has difficulty with latching, you can use a sterilized plastic spoon with formula to help. Crying babies can experience wound bleeding when trying to latch. Try to comfort your baby with skin contact and cuddles before trying to feed.

If calming your baby before feeding time is unsuccessful, you may want to ask your doctor about over-the-counter pain medications. Feeding time is also ideal for practicing lip and tongue strengthening. Make feeding time fun by encouraging your child to stick out the tongue and smile. If your child is able to eat solid foods, offer cold or lukewarm food without spices to prevent irritation and discomfort.

Wound Care
Some bleeding can be normal for the first day after a tongue tie release. Apply pressure to the wound with a clean and dry gauze for a few minutes. Contact your doctor If bleeding continues after the first day.

Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises after a tongue tie release can help your child recover quickly and prevent tissue reattachment. Gentle finger sweeps encourage proper tongue movement and can be done when your child is asleep or awake. Your doctor can show you what to do and may recommend practice every six hours over a course of three weeks. Depending on your child’s age, the doctor may recommend other specialists to address physical therapy or speech development issues to strengthen tongue movement.

Specialized Tongue Tie Release Care in South Carolina

Tongue tie can be a serious situation for your child and early intervention is vital for future development. The specialists at South Carolina Tongue Tie Center are dedicated to delivering relief for your child, as well as teens and adults, with advanced techniques for lip and tongue tie release. Call to book an appointment today.