A policy to screen for tongue-tie at birth is essential to ensure early identification and intervention for a condition that affects a significant number (estimates of 25% or GREATER) of infants and children. It’s the most common issue you haven’t heard of and can lead to many common issues in infants and children. Untreated tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) can cause a cascade of problems, starting with feeding difficulties. Infants with tongue-tie may struggle with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding due to poor latch and inadequate milk transfer, leading to low weight gain, colic, reflux, gas, and increased stress for both the baby and the mother. Brazil has a national law to screen infants for tongue-tie.
As the child grows, the implications of untreated tongue-tie often extend beyond feeding. Many children experience speech delays or articulation issues, difficulty with solid foods (leading to poor food choices that are easier to chew), and sleep disturbances due to airway obstruction and improper oral function. These challenges can impact a child’s overall growth, development, and quality of life and lead to chronic inflammation, which leads to all leading causes of death including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and metabolic disease (diabetes). Stop the fire while it is in the kitchen and before the whole house is on fire. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Routine screening at birth and timely evaluation by qualified healthcare providers allow for early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of these complications. Treatment takes around 15 seconds to avoid these issues when performed properly. By implementing a comprehensive screening policy, we can provide a proactive approach that not only supports optimal feeding and development in infancy but also helps prevent long-term issues related to speech, eating, and sleep. This policy will ultimately contribute to improved outcomes for children and a reduction in the overall burden on families and healthcare systems.