The Controversial Practice of Tongue Tie Surgery on Infants
Dentists and lactation consultants are increasingly promoting "tongue-tie releases" as a solution for breastfeeding difficulties, despite limited evidence of their effectiveness and potential risks. The procedure involves cutting the tissue that attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, and sometimes also the tissue connecting the lips and cheeks to the gums. While some families report positive outcomes, pediatricians have expressed concerns about the over-diagnosis and overuse of tongue-tie releases, with some babies experiencing serious complications. The tongue-tie industry operates with little oversight, and the lack of regulation allows for the proliferation of potentially unnecessary procedures.