Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment Satellite Beach
Freedom for Your Child’s Oral Tissues
Lip and tongue tie are fairly common defects that are present at birth. They can interfere with a child’s quality of life and adversely affect their long-term health! The good news is that lip and tongue tie treatment is readily available here in our Satellite Beach pediatric dentistry practice. We can help your child gain freedom for their oral tissues and enjoy a reduced risk of numerous complications. Continue reading below to learn more about this treatment.
Why Choose Beachside Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment?
- Highly Experienced Pediatric Dentistry Team
- Treatment for Infants, Toddlers, Children, and Teens
- Minimally Invasive Procedure
How Do Lip and Tongue Ties Develop?
A lip tie occurs when the tissue between the lip and gums (called a frenum or frenulum) is too short or thick, whereas a tongue tie occurs when the frenum between the tongue and floor of the mouth is too short or thick. These conditions restrict proper movement of the oral tissues. Lip and tongue ties are present at birth. They may be due to nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, genetics, or other factors.
Some cases of lip and tongue tie do not cause any serious symptoms and may not require treatment. However, these conditions usually start to cause symptoms during infancy. You might notice that breastfeeding is difficult or that your child is slow to gain weight. They may be colicky and demand frequent short feeding sessions. Your nipples may be sore, and you might experience clogged milk ducts. All such issues are good reasons to seek a professional evaluation for lip and tongue tie.
Why Is It Important to Treat Lip & Tongue Ties?
Lip and tongue ties can cause breastfeeding problems during infancy, but that is just the beginning of the trouble they can cause. Without proper treatment, these issues can continue to cause complications for your child throughout their life.
For example, they might be slow to develop their speaking ability, and they may have aversions for certain textures of food. They might also experience digestive problems and be at an increased risk of disordered breathing during sleep. An increased risk of dental health issues, such as cavities, is also a major concern.
Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment
The best way to treat lip and tongue tie is via a surgery known as a frenectomy. During this minimally invasive procedure, we numb your child’s mouth and then use a precise instrument to sever the tissue that is restricting their oral tissues. A frenectomy usually takes just a few minutes.
While the prospect of surgery — even a minor one — for your child might seem scary, rest assured that most patients recover quickly. You should notice improvements in your infant’s feeding habits right away. If a child is a bit older, they might need to attend myofunctional therapy to help them learn how to use their lip/tongue in the proper way.