A lip or tongue tie is a condition that occurs when a small band of tissue under the lip or tongue is too short or thick. This restricts normal tongue and lip movements, which can affect your child’s speech and nutrition. Infants with a lip or tongue tie can struggle to breastfeed. Complications with eating can increase as they transition to solids if the issue isn’t addressed. Poor nutrition can harm your little one’s health and development. Thankfully, a lip or tongue tie is easy to correct with a soft tissue dental laser. Here’s how you can free your child’s tied lip or tongue with a frenectomy using the best dental technologies.
Signs of Lip or Tongue Tie in Infants
An abnormality with the frenulum can cause various complications for both the infant and the mother when breastfeeding, including:
- Poor milk supply.
- Baby failing to thrive.
- Sleep deprivation.
- Nipple pain or damage.
- Mastitis, nipple thrush, or blocked ducts.
- Poor latching.
Eating Challenges from a Tongue Tie
The tongue serves an important role in the ability to eat. It moves food from side to side to assist with chewing. If your child can’t make the correct movements, they won’t develop strong oral habits. They may eat with their mouth open to allow the tongue to move. They won’t have the flexibility necessary to move food to the back of the mouth for swallowing.
If the issue isn’t corrected before your baby transitions to solids, your child may not have the movements needed to chew and swallow foods. Common signs of a tongue tie in toddlers and children include:
- Food rejection.
- Habitual gagging.
- Coughing or choking.
- Vomiting after eating.
- Slow or picky eater.
Besides affecting their nutritional intake, a tied tongue or lip can negatively affect your little one’s dental health and development. Their ability to speak clearly can also be affected. There are also many emotional factors associated with the barriers of eating with a tongue or lip abnormality.
Correcting a Lip or Tongue Tie
A dentist can easily give your child normal lip and tongue movements using a soft tissue laser to perform a frenectomy. There are no scalpels or scissors involved. A highly concentrated beam of light energy will free the band of tissue using a minimally invasive method that reduces the risks of infections, pain, and bleeding.
Your little one will have the oral functions and movements necessary to support their health and development.
About Dr. Lori Hare
Dr. Hare achieved her dental degree from the College of Dentistry at the University of Oklahoma and has completed advanced training in general, family, and laser dentistry. She combines her training and experience with the latest developments in dentistry to create healthy, functional smiles for all ages. Dr. Hare is a proud member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and many other professional organizations. If your child needs a frenectomy, request an appointment through her website or call her office at (918) 417-1926.