Is it difficult for your infant to breastfeed? Are they fussy, struggling to gain weight, or causing you to have a painful breastfeeding experience? It is possible that your precious little one has a lip or tongue tie. What exactly are these issues? Will your child’s lip or tongue tie go away on its own, or will it be necessary for you to seek professional treatment? This blog post explains what you should know.
What Are Lip and Tongue Tie?
A frenum, also called a frenulum, is a small piece of fleshy soft tissue that connects two points in your body. Tongue tie occurs when the frenum that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or too thick, thereby restricting the tongue’s movement. Lip tie occurs when the frenum between the upper lip and gums limits the lip’s movements.
Lip and tongue tie are present from birth and can cause multiple issues, such as colic, gassiness, breastfeeding difficulties, and more.
Do Lip and Tongue Tie Go Away on Their Own?
Some children do not receive treatment for their lip or tongue tie during infancy. As they grow, they may learn strategies to help them cope with their restricted mouth movements. However, the condition will not go away without treatment. It can continue to cause issues throughout a patient’s lifetime.
For example, an untreated lip or tongue tie could impair the development of your child’s speech, make them avoid certain textures of food, make it difficult for them to maintain proper oral hygiene, and increase the risk of dental misalignment. Some kids with a lip or tongue tie even suffer from disordered breathing during sleep, which can lead to behavioral problems and other health risks.
What to Expect with Treatment
Lip and tongue tie can seem a little scary, but the good news is that treatment is easy! The best way to address a tied lip or tongue is via a minor surgical procedure known as a frenectomy. Using a soft tissue laser, a dentist can cut the tight frenum in a way that frees up movement of the oral tissues. The entire process takes just a few minutes, and your child should be able to breastfeed right after it is finished.
Do not wait for your child’s lip or tongue tie to go away. Consult with a professional so your little one can be as happy and healthy as possible.
Meet the Practice
The skilled dentists at Healthy Sleep Tulsa are proud to offer fast and comfortable laser tongue tie treatment for infants and older patients. If you believe that your little one could benefit from a frenectomy, we would be pleased to consult with you. To ask questions or book an appointment, contact our practice at 918-300-4325.