Unnecessary Tongue Tie Surgeries Skyrocket Prompting New AAP Approach

Over the past decade, as discussions around breastfeeding have blossomed on social media and beyond, one diagnosis has made its way to the center of almost every Reddit thread, Facebook group and doctor’s office: tongue tie.

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is generally regarded as a condition when the tissue connecting baby’s tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually short, thick or tight, restricting tongue movement. This restriction can cause issues with breastfeeding and, for many parents across the country, a simple tongue tie surgery, done to loosen this tissue, can make a world of difference. But after years of the diagnosis and treatment gaining traction the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is asking parents and physicians to think twice before jumping to tongue tie surgery.

In a new report released on July 29, the AAP explains that tongue tie diagnoses and tongue tie surgeries (or frenectomies) have skyrocketed over the past few years. While experts attribute part of this increase to positive social media awareness, the group is also worried an increasing number of children may be getting these surgeries unnecessarily.

“The increased rate of frenotomy is fueled partly by economic incentives for health care providers, which has led to a surge in the number of clinics and specialists offering tongue tie surgeries,” the report read. “In addition, social media has increased awareness of ankyloglossia, and online communities often pressure parents to seek surgical procedures when breastfeeding difficulties arise.”

Unneeded tongue tie surgeries aren’t just expensive and ineffective; they can also deter baby from feeding due to pain and discomfort in the first few days after. To help parents ensure their child doesn’t get pulled into an superfluous surgery, the AAP recommends that doctors and parents consider all nonsurgical options available first. “Frenotomy should be reserved for cases where significant functional impairments are observed and nonsurgical interventions have failed,” the group noted.

In lieu of surgery, the association recommends a collaborative approach to decide what is best for each individual. “Comprehensive care for infants with tongue tie requires collaboration with lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists and other specialists,” the report added. Curious to learn more about tongue tie? Check out treatments and more here.

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