If your baby has recently been diagnosed with a lip or tongue tie, don’t panic! About 5% of all newborns have the abnormality. If the tissue is too tight or short under the tongue or upper lip, it can lead to feeding and speech problems without any correction. A pediatric dentist can free the tissue using a customized treatment plan. Here’s what you need to know about the road ahead.
Complications of Lip/Tongue Tie
The lingual frenulum is a band of tissue that’s attached to the floor of the mouth underneath the tongue. The tissues usually separate before birth to allow free movement of the tongue. Although it’s not clear what causes lip and tongue ties, there appears to be a genetic factor.
Without any intervention, it can lead to breastfeeding problems because your baby won’t be able to place their tongue over their lower gum. If the tongue isn’t in the right position, they may chew on the nipple instead of sucking. Not only can this cause pain for you, but your baby may not receive enough milk.
As your child grows, they may develop speech difficulties. The restricted movements of their tongue can make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds. Older children may even have an increased risk of poor dental hygiene because their teeth can be challenging to keep clean. Not to mention, their quality of life can suffer because it can interfere with many activities, like enjoying an ice cream cone or kissing.
Treating Lip/Tongue Ties
In some cases, the lingual frenulum can loosen over time; however, it’s not uncommon to need a minor surgical procedure, such as:
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to free the tongue or lip. Traditionally, sterile scissors or a scalpel is used to snip or cut the tissue. The process is quick and doesn’t cause any lingering discomfort. As an alternative, a soft tissue laser can also be used.
Although the traditional methods are effective, there are advantages to using a dental laser. The highly concentrated beam of light energy targets the tissue with unmatched precision, sterilizing the area as it’s cut. The laser also cauterizes the tissue to reduce the risk of bleeding. Overall, it provides less risk of infection, inflammation, and bleeding for a quicker recovery.
Frenuloplasty
A frenuloplasty is a more complex procedure that’s recommended when the tissue is too thick for a frenectomy or additional repairs are needed. Surgical tools are used to release the tissue while under general anesthesia.
Don’t worry, your pediatric dentist will choose the best and safest option for your child. They’ll explain everything you need to know to calm your nerves.
About Dr. Andrea Csok
Dr. Csok earned her dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and regularly continues her training in cutting-edge treatments, like laser dentistry. She is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and many other professional organizations. If your child has a lip or tongue tie, contact our office today to request a consultation.