The Controversy Surrounding Tongue-Tie Diagnosis and Treatment in Infants: A Closer Look

The American Academy of Pediatrics Raises Concerns About Overdiagnosis of Tongue-Tie in Infants

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report on Monday expressing concerns about the increasing diagnosis and treatment of tongue-tie in infants. Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where infants have a tight or short band of tissue that tethers the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth, potentially affecting breastfeeding.

According to the report, the condition may be overdiagnosed in the U.S., leading to unnecessary surgery to address breastfeeding difficulties. Dr. Maya Bunik, a Colorado-based co-author of the report, stated that the prevalence of tongue-tie surgeries may exceed 100,000 annually, with many of these treatments considered unnecessary.

The academy’s report encourages healthcare professionals to consider non-surgical options to address breastfeeding challenges, as research suggests that less than half of infants diagnosed with tongue-tie actually have difficulty breastfeeding.

While tongue-tie diagnoses have been increasing globally, there is still no consensus on the diagnostic criteria or treatment approach for the condition. Procedures to address tongue-tie, such as cutting tissue with scissors or using lasers, can cause pain and discomfort for infants, potentially hindering breastfeeding efforts.

The report also emphasizes the importance of a team-based approach involving lactation experts, pediatricians, and other medical professionals to evaluate the underlying causes of breastfeeding challenges and determine the best course of treatment.

The American Academy of Pediatrics initiated the report in response to the growing number of patients seeking treatment for tongue-tie from dentists, rather than pediatricians. Other medical groups, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, have also raised concerns about the overdiagnosis of tongue-tie and emphasized the need for more research in this area.

Parents like Haley Brown, who sought treatment for her son’s tongue-tie and lip-tie, shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals before opting for surgical interventions.

Overall, the report underscores the need for a more cautious and evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating tongue-tie in infants to ensure that surgical interventions are reserved for cases where they are truly necessary.

For more information, you can read the full report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.