It is well-known that lip and tongue ties can pose some serious feeding challenges for infants; babies with this condition find it difficult to latch properly. This can cause distress for both infants and mothers! But what if your child is a bit older, and you are ready to help them transition to solid foods? Will a lip or tongue tie still cause problems? Yes, it likely will. This blog post explains what you need to know.
Eating Challenges of Lip and Tongue Ties
Lip and tongue ties restrict the movement of the lips and tongue, which are essential for chewing, swallowing, and manipulating food in the mouth. Your child could face difficulties with certain textures and may struggle to clear food from their teeth and gums, potentially leading to discomfort and frustration at mealtimes.
Some children with lip or tongue ties also experience increased gagging or choking episodes, since their oral muscles cannot move as freely as needed. You may observe that your child avoids specific foods or seems reluctant to try new flavors, which can make mealtime more stressful for both of you. Over time, these challenges may even impact speech development and oral hygiene, so addressing them early is important.
Identifying Signs of a Lip or Tongue Tie in Your Child
Recognizing a lip or tongue tie in your child can help you take steps to support their transition to solids. Look for these signs:
- Difficulty moving the tongue side to side or sticking it out
- Trouble lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth
- Limited lip mobility, such as an inability to flare the upper lip
- Frequent gagging, choking, or messy eating
- Slow eating or refusal to eat certain foods
- Speech delays or unclear speech patterns
- Persistent drooling
- Food that remains stuck in the mouth after eating
Effective Treatment for Lip and Tongue Ties
If you believe that a lip or tongue tie is affecting your child’s ability to consume solid foods, it is time to take action! Your child’s pediatric dentist may recommend a simple surgical procedure called a frenectomy, which releases the tight tissue and improves mobility. This treatment is quick and usually has minimal downtime, allowing your child to experience immediate improvements in their ability to eat and chew.
You may also benefit from working with a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or myofunctional therapist. These specialists can help your child learn new oral motor skills and adapt to eating different textures. With proper guidance and support, your child can thrive during their transition to solid foods!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Adrienne Archidiacono-Jeanis is proud to serve the Aledo community as a pediatric dentist. She uses advanced laser technology to perform frenectomies to treat lip and tongue tie. If you believe your child has one of these conditions, Dr. Adrienne and our team would be pleased to assist you. Contact our practice at 817-406-2025.