
FAQ
The frenulum does have nerves and blood vessels so there will be some sensation during the procedure. However, some babies will sleep through the division and most will cry for just a short while and settle very quickly. If your baby is over eight weeks old you may choose to give some paracetamol (calpol) shortly before the appointment but this isn't essential.
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Most babies will be back to normal after a few hours but on some occasions they may be more unsettled for a couple of days after.
Does a division hurt?
Do you divide posterior ties?
A posterior tongue tie can cause just as many issues as an anterior tie. The procedure for dividing posterior ties is the same as dividing anterior ties, I will divide both anterior and posterior ties.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgical procedure there are risks involved. However, tongue tie division is considered very safe and the potential of any adverse effects are very small. Risks include bleeding, damage to surrounding areas, infection and a change in feeding patterns.
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All of these will be discussed in detail during your appointment and we will talk about how to minimise these risks.
What are the long term effects of tongue tie?
Unfortunately, there isn't much research into long term effects. However, many experts agree that having a tongue tie may affect speech development. Having a tongue that can't move freely can also cause trouble when it comes to weaning on to solid foods as babies can't move food around their mouths as they should. As teeth come through cavities may be more likely as the tongue plays an important role in removing food from teeth. Many experts also agree that a tongue tie can cause muscular tension throughout the body.
What is the difference between Tongue Tie Northants and the NHS service for division?
Many NHS services for tongue tie division are ran by professionals who aren't specialised or qualified in assessing for a tongue tie. They will look for a visible frenulum and cut it without assessment and without the skills or knowledge to support you in the days and weeks that follow division. You are often in and out in a few minutes and many families find the experience can do more harm than good.
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There are often long waiting times for NHS appointments and they are done in a hospital setting. With Tongue Tie Northants you have a personalised appointment in the comfort of your own home and they can often be done the same or next day.
My baby is bottle fed, will you divide their tongue tie?
Yes. Tongue ties can cause many problems for bottle fed babies and unnecessary stress for parents. A division can help to resolve these issues.
What if I have concerns after our appointment?
I offer a routine follow up with all families one week after your appointment with me which is included in the cost of your initial payment. However, if you need to talk to me before then or you need more than one follow up you can contact me and we can come up with a plan.
How soon after a division will I notice improvements?
Tongue tie division isn't always a quick fix. Babies will have a new range of motion in their tongue that they need to get used to and many need to relearn how to feed. Whilst some parents will notice an immediate improvement, for many it can take days or even weeks before they notice a difference. During our appointment I may suggest other ways you can support your baby to maximise their potential.
What age are the babies you will treat?
I will treat all babies up to six months old if needed. Babies aged between six to twelve months will be seen on a case by case basis. I will judge this based on the baby's temperament, your history and how many teeth they have.
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