As parents, we always want our kids to be healthy and happy. But sometimes, they might have a problem called tongue or lip-tie. This can make feeding or speaking difficult. In this blog, we’ll discuss tongue and lip ties, how to know if your child has them, and when considering tongue tie release in Santa Clarita might be needed for their health.
Understanding the Condition
Some babies are born with tongue-tie and lip-tie. They occur when the tissue connecting the tongue to the mouth floor or the upper lip to the gum is tighter than normal. This tightness can make it hard for the tongue or lip to move well, which can affect things like eating and talking.
Symptoms and Effects on Infants
- Trouble attaching to the breast or bottle during feeding
- Not gaining enough weight or not getting enough milk during feeding
- Being fussy or upset during feeding
- Hearing clicking noises while your baby eats
- Breastfeeding is uncomfortable for you because it’s not working well
- Possible problems with speech development as your child gets older
Diagnosis and Assessment
To find out if your baby has a tongue or lip tie, visit pediatric dentistry in Santa Clarita, or a lactation consultant will do a careful examination. They’ll look at:
- How the frenulum looks.
- How well the tongue or lip can move.
- Any problems the baby has with feeding or speaking.
When is Release Necessary?
Nutritional Challenges
Babies with severe tongue or lip-tie might have trouble latching onto the breast or bottle properly. This can make it hard for them to get enough milk, which can lead to not gaining enough weight. In some cases, they might need different ways of feeding or help from a doctor.
Digestive Issues
When babies have trouble latching and sucking because of tongue-tie, they might swallow more air while feeding. This extra air can cause problems like colic, gas, and other tummy troubles for the baby.
Social and Emotional Impact
Kids who don’t get help for tongue-tie might feel upset and worried about their trouble talking, especially as they get older and realize it’s a problem. This can make them feel bad about themselves and make it hard for them to make friends.
Chewing and Swallowing Problems
Tongue-tie can make it tricky to move food around the mouth and swallow well. This might increase the risk of choking or make digestion less efficient.
Orthodontic Complications
If tongue tie isn’t treated, it can cause more than just gaps between teeth (diastema). It can also lead to other dental problems like teeth not lining up properly (malocclusion). This might mean needing braces or other treatments to fix it later on.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Tongue-tie can affect how the jaw positions and functions, which might add to problems like TMJ disorders. These can cause pain, clicking, or trouble moving the jaw comfortably.
Speech Therapy Requirement
Children with tongue-tie might need speech therapy to improve their pronouncing, develop language skills, and communicate effectively. It’s important to start this therapy early to ensure their speech develops well.
Persistent Discomfort for Mothers
Breastfeeding problems caused by tongue-tie can make mothers feel uncomfortable, in pain, and frustrated. This can affect their breastfeeding journey and might even make them stop breastfeeding earlier than planned.
Risk of Infection
Sometimes, the tight tissue connected to the tongue and lip tie can create spaces where bacteria can gather. This raises the chances of infections and inflammation in the mouth.
Treatment Options
- Conservative management: This involves using techniques to improve breastfeeding without surgery.
- Frenotomy: This is a simple surgery that can be performed at kids dentistry near you, where the tight tissue is cut using sterile scissors or a laser to release the tie.
- Myofunctional therapy: After the release, this therapy involves doing exercises to improve tongue function.
Benefits of Release Procedure
- Improved breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby.
- Enhanced speech development potential.
- Better oral hygiene and reduced risk of dental issues.
- Increased comfort and reduced pain for the child.
Making Informed Decisions
Deciding to consider tongue or lip tie release near you for your child is a big decision. It’s important to think about their symptoms, the possible benefits, and any risks involved. Talking to a qualified pediatric dentist or healthcare provider can help you understand your options and make the best choice for your child’s needs.
Unlock Your Child’s Smile Potential with Smile Republic!
At our children’s dentistry in Santa Clarita, our skilled pediatric dentists are experts in caring for infants and children with tongue and lip-tie concerns. With our advanced facilities and caring team, we provide thorough diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care to support your child’s oral health and growth. Schedule a visit today, and let us assist your child in achieving their brightest smile!
