Is your baby fussy? Do they frequently wake up congested or have excessive gas? It might be that they are suffering from acid reflux, but why? You might not realize it, but if your baby struggles to latch during feedings, they may have restricted bands of tissues underneath their tongue or behind their upper lip. Can a tongue-tie affect an infant’s acid reflux? If this is the question you’re wondering, a local specialist is here to provide the answer.
What is Acid Reflux?
When a baby begins to spit up after a feeding, it’s not entirely uncommon; however, it is something that many parents want to address, especially if it is happening every time. Referred to as acid reflux, it can occur when too much air is ingested while attempting to nurse or take a bottle. This can cause excessive gas and hardened bellies.
While many infants grow out of this with no real complications or concerns, others suffer serious challenges that can make these early years difficult for both babies and parents.
How is a Tongue-Tie Linked to Acid Reflux?
If you notice that your baby is unable to latch while nursing or struggles to take a bottle, and they suffer from acid reflux, it may be that they have a tongue-tie to blame. When a restricted band of tissue underneath the tongue prevents maximum oral function, it creates issues each time your baby becomes hungry.
A poor latch can result in an intake of too much air, which travels to the stomach. This can cause the abdomen to swell and make your baby uncomfortable and fussy. Other common symptoms include early morning congestion, pain, and an inability to sleep lying down.
How Can This Issue Be Addressed?
To remedy the issue of a tongue-tie and improve a baby’s acid reflux, there is a tried-and-true solution known as a frenectomy. Completed by a tongue-tie specialist, this procedure is quick and easy to complete on infants.
Many do not require any kind of topical anesthesia because of the efficiency of the process. By releasing the banded tissue underneath the tongue, it frees up the muscle to move freely and latch to the nipple or bottle with greater ease.
When there is less air coming in during feedings, your baby will become more comfortable and be less likely to spit up after eating. This creates a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
About the Author
Dr. Andrea Csok is a dentist and tongue-tie expert who is also a mother of two. After completing Dr. Baxter’s Tongue-Tie Academy course, she attended the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie professionals conference to better understand the process as well as meet various experts in the field. If your little one is dealing with a restricted tongue-tie and struggling with acid reflux, visit our website or call (216) 292-3600 to learn how we can help.