Published on October 8, 2022, Updated on October 8, 2022
Tongue and lip ties are common oral problems in newborns and toddlers. This is a condition many parents overlook that can result in health implications such as difficulty chewing, gagging or vomiting meals, choking, and speech degradation if left untreated. You must get it treated as soon as possible.
What is Tongue and Lip Tie?
A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a congenital ailment in which the tongue cannot function correctly due to an excessively small frenulum. A lip tie is a very tight labial frenulum that holds the top lip to the gum line. Tongue and lip ties are quite frequent in newborns and youngsters.
The information on tongue and lip ties is not well known, meaning that moms and even health experts are unaware of this information and how it affects children’s health.
It is critical to address tongue and lip ties in newborns and children, so they do not impair their dental health and self-confidence.
What Consequences Can Tongue and Lip Tie Cause?
Untreated tongue and lip ties can lead to complex problems and health risks in the future. Some issues that tongue and lip ties might cause are listed below.
- Breastfeeding issues in infants cause a lack of milk production, weight loss, fussiness, and discomfort.
- Tongue ties can cause speech issues by making it harder to produce r, s, t, d, and l sounds. Lip ties make it challenging to create m, b, and p sounds.
- Lip-tie patients have a gap between their two front teeth. The tongue-tie can cause gum recession by pulling against its gums on the rear of the teeth.
- Tongue-tie can cause breathing issues, notably sleep apnea, due to an undeveloped palate, resulting in a narrower airway. Lip ties restrict lip mobility and prevent the lips from fully closing, resulting in open-mouth breathing.
- TMJ can be caused by tongue and lip ties, resulting in recurrent headaches and jaw, neck, and back pain.
- The limitations on tongue and lip mobility can make cleaning teeth and removing food particles in the mouth difficult, leading to poor oral hygiene.
- Children with tongue and lip ties may feel ashamed when talking with others because they pronounce words differently.
How to Treat Tongue and Lip Tie?
A frenectomy is a procedure that can be used to address tongue and lip ties. Frenectomy is a basic surgical technique that involves modifying or removing the extra frenulum in the mouth using a laser or sterile dental scissors. It is a minimally invasive technique that takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. This treatment is safe for people of all ages; however, a local anesthetic may be used if necessary.
Frenectomy, like any surgery, has risks. Expect minor bleeding, which is normal, and the bleeding will eventually subside.
Before committing your babies or children to such treatment, make an appointment with a dentist or pediatric dentist. They have the expertise and experience to analyze the condition of your child’s mouth and may take dental x-rays to provide a complete picture of their oral health. Your dentist will lead you through the procedure and determine whether frenectomy is the best option for your kid or whether another treatment is more suited.
Do you require the services of a dentist to treat your child’s tongue and lip tie? Our experts would gladly assist you and your kid with their dental health requirements. Make an appointment right now.