Gastrointestinal Symptom Improvement for Infants Following Tongue-Tie Correction

Abstract

Treatment of tongue-tie in infants suggests improvements for breastfeeding mothers, including reduced nipple pain and improved latching onto the breast. The effects of frenotomy on infant feeding and gastrointestinal dysfunction remain controversial, with insufficient evidence on the relationship between tongue-tie and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this study was to compare symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) distress and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) prior to and 2 weeks following frenotomy in infants with tongue-tie. Parents were surveyed prior to frenotomy and 2 weeks post procedure, using the Gastrointestinal and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GIGER) Scale for Infants and Toddlers. Eighty-four participants completed surveys at both time points, with significant improvements in GI and GER symptoms 2 weeks after frenotomy. Younger infants and those with more severe tongue-tie had the greatest improvements in GI and GER symptoms. Infants with tongue-tie and symptoms of GI tract distress may experience improvement in symptoms after frenotomy.