Is Tongue-Tie Surgery Really Unnecessary? (Doctors Explain When to Worry)
Is your baby struggling with feeding? Wondering if it could be tongue-tie?
In this complete guide, a board-certified neonatologist explains everything you need to know about tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) — from symptoms to treatment and whether surgery is really necessary.
In this video, you’ll learn:
Why tongue-tie diagnoses have increased dramatically since 1995
Common signs and symptoms in newborns
How tongue-tie actually affects breastfeeding
When treatment (frenectomy) is needed — and when it’s NOT
Risks and complications of the procedure
Why tongue-tie may be overdiagnosed today
The truth about tongue-tie and speech development
Many babies are diagnosed with tongue-tie, but not all need treatment.
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Dr. Tala is a board-certified neonatologist and has worked in busy level III and IV units for the past 18 years. She has won multiple teaching awards throughout her time as a neonatologist.
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References:
Booth L, Aldaihani A, Davidson J, Wilson C, Lawlor C, Hong P, Graham ME. Misinformation and Readability of Social Media Content on Pediatric Ankyloglossia and Other Oral Ties. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2025 Feb 1;151(2):143-150. doi: 10.1001/jamaoto.2024.4211. PMID: 39666364; PMCID: PMC11826352. CopyDownload .nbib
Severity of Retrognathia and Glossoptosis Does Not Predict Respiratory and Feeding Disorders
in Pierre Robin Sequence - https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Grading-system-for-retrognathia-on-lateral-views-of-infants-with-Pierre-Robin-sequence_fig2_329079161
https://www.craniofacialteamtexas.com/cleft-lip-and-cleft-palate/what-causes-cleft-lips-and-palates/
Lee SG, Viegelmann GC, Dorji J, Lim HY. An approach to feeding problems in infants and toddlers. Singapore Med J. 2024 Dec 1;65(12):686-691. doi: 10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2022-109. Epub 2024 Dec 16. PMID: 39675050; PMCID: PMC11698276.
Identification and Management of Ankyloglossia and Its Effect on Breastfeeding in Infants: Clinical Report. Pediatrics August 2024; 154 (2): e2024067605. 10.1542/peds.2024-067605
Severity of Retrognathia and Glossoptosis Does Not Predict Respiratory and Feeding Disorders in Pierre Robin Sequence - https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Grading-system-for-retrognathia-on-lateral-views-of-infants-with-Pierre-Robin-sequence_fig2_329079161
https://www.craniofacialteamtexas.com/cleft-lip-and-cleft-palate/what-causes-cleft-lips-and-palates/
https://www.littlenursingco.com/blog/oralrestrictions
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***TIMESTAMPS***
00:00 — Introduction & the massive rise in tongue tie diagnoses
01:43 — Concern about overdiagnosis (who's being diagnosed & why)
02:35 — Core problem: No clear diagnostic criteria
04:37 — Risks of frenotomy
04:50 — AAP 2024 Definition & anatomy explained
08:22 — What to do when a mother suspects tongue tie
14:37 — When to actually refer for the procedure
17:20 — Debunking: Clipping for speech improvement is NOT recommended
18:15 — Outro
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*Disclaimer*: This video is intended for educational purposes only and while we strive to give the most accurate information, errors may occur. Subsequently, this video should not be a replacement for medical advice.