Tongue tie just spotted in 8 month old

[Hamnvik]

My 8 month old has just been diagnosed as having a tongue tie, the Dr said they wouldn't do anything unless it affected his speech when he is older. Has anyone else been in this situation and pushed to get it snipped?
From a quick search on here it seems his reflux/cmpi could actually be all down to the tongue tie? If that's the case how do I get them to agree it is the cause? Can I ask for a second opinion, I haven't had many dealings with the nhs until D's was born I'm not sure what my options are.

[mawbroon]

Skip the NHS is my advice.

Can you go private? If so, I suggest you go to either Malcolm Levinkind in North London or John Roberts at the Cote Royd dental practice in Huddersfield.

Both are dentists who trained with Dr Kotlow who is a leading expert on ties. They use laser and will also do an upper lip tie if there is one.

DS1 was older (6yo) when he had his done. I really wish that it had come to light when he was younger. He went on to have many problems which were related to his ties and high palate (which is also caused by the tongue tie) which could have been avoided if it had been revised at a younger age.

Funnily enough, speech was not one the problems that he had!

Ask to join the tongue tie babies support group on facebook. Loads of experience on there.

[Hamnvik]

Thanks, no way we could afford private sadly! Have joined the fb group though so will have a look.

[ihearttc]

My DS2 who is now just 3 had a tongue tie diagnosed at 8.5 months.

We got an appointment a week later and the consultant just snipped it.

He was one of the latest ones he has done though and I believe the cut off is usually 8 months or so and after that they can still have it done relatively easily but under GA.

He was premature so still quite tiny but they just swaddled him so he couldn't move and just did it...was over in a matter of seconds. We had to wait about an hour afterwards as the older they are the more likely they are to bleed more because the blood vessels are more developed.

There was never any question of them not doing it if that makes sense so didn't really have to push.

He is quite speech delayed now but its not related to the tongue tie which is completely resolved.

[mawbroon]

GA is not necessary at any age if ties are lasered.

In fact, it is pretty much essential to have the patient awake so that the tongue function can be assessed as they go.

[Hamnvik]

So what can I do if the paediatrician said they won't cut it? Is gong private my only option? Anyone any idea how much going private would cost?

[mawbroon]

The two I mentioned charge somewhere between £300 to £400. It might be worth asking if they can give you the option to do some sort of payment plan?

[tethersend]

Are you in London?

DD2 had this at 8mo and had it snipped privately, but at a clinic which was not too expensive. I found them through milk matters- they were very helpful, I recommend giving them a call, they may know someone in your area.

And yes, she was diagnosed with cmpi and reflux prior to this. Before having it snipped, it would take her over an hour to finish a bottle...

[tethersend]

I can't remember how much it cost to have DD2's done, but it was under £100. No lasers involved though

[Hamnvik]

I'm in Scotland but I don't mind travelling, I will look into it thank you.