Aftercare
The good news is that the procedure to treat ankyloglossia is generally simple enough that children generally don’t require pain medication.
It’s important to provide the aftercare instructions provided by your medical professional as exactly as possible. Reach out to them if you have questions or concerns about their health or care. It’s also recommended to schedule follow up appointments to ensure proper healing and that the procedure was a success.
Bleeding
Blood may be present in the mouth or stool (it will be black in color from stomach acid) on the first day of recovery.
To help stop bleeding:
- Take cloth or gauze and submerge it in ice water. Apply this with mild pressure on the affected area for 1-2 minutes
- Breasting or using a bottle may also help stop the flow of blood
Important note: If your infant or child is having trouble breathing, swallowing, or is bleeding an abnormal amount, seek immediate medical care.
Breastfeeding
You may want to transition to normal breastfeeding over a 1-2 week period, from nipple shields, bottles, or formula. If you have difficulty breastfeeding, rest assured knowing there are a wealth of resources available at your disposal. Please consult your medical professional or a lactation specialist for their advice.
Healing
If your child is an infant, there are some steps you can take to encourage healing and prevent scarring:
- Softly pat your child’s lips to encourage them to stick out their tongue
- Gently play tug of war with your child’s mouth using your finger or a pacifier
- Press lightly on the back of your child’s tongue for 3 seconds
- Rub the upper and lower gums back and forth to try and get your child’s tongue to follow your movements
It can be anxiety-provoking to read up on your child's health, but you're making a great decision by becoming informed on their condition. Pat yourself on the back for looking out for their best interests (and yours!) by increasing your knowledge of tongue-tie and the associated symptoms and treatment.