Episode 55: Tongue-tie "clipping" (aka frenotomy); are we over-doing it or have we discovered an under-diagnosed problem? with Pediatric ENT Matthew Brigger MD, MPH

Ask Dr Jessica

On this weeks episode of Ask Dr Jessica, Dr Matthew Brigger joins to discuss frenulotomy, also known as tongue-tie "clipping" or tongue-tie "release". In the past 20 years, the number of newborns receiving the tongue-tie releases has doubled at the very least. The number of babies born with tongue ties has been unchanged, so as a pediatrician, one has to wonder why this procedure has increased so much--- Has the condition been under-diagnosed and now social media has helped bring this issue to light? Or are we doctors doing too many in the hopes that it will help mothers with breast feeding? What is the evidence that this procedure is beneficial? Dr Brigger offers much clarity to the benefits and draw backs of this procedure.
Dr Brigger has a very impressive resume—he is currently the division chief of pediatric ENT at Rady Children’s hospital in San Diego. He is also a professor of Surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine. He also served as a pediatric ENT in the NAVY, he received his masters in public health at Harvard, and he has authored over 70 peer reviewed studies.
Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.
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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.
Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [e-mail].
Follow her on Instagram: @AskDrJessica
Subscribe to her YouTube channel! Ask Dr Jessica
Subscribe to this podcast: Ask Dr Jessica
Subscribe to her mailing list: www.askdrjessicamd.com
The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.