Lip and tongue tie are among the most common abnormalities that are present at birth. They restrict movement of the oral tissues and can cause ongoing problems if they are not treated. The standard treatment for these problems is a minimally invasive procedure known as a frenectomy. How can you tell if your child needs this surgery? In this blog post, we touch on five common signs.
Difficulty Eating
During infancy, a lip or tongue tie can make it difficult for a baby to latch while breastfeeding. Unfortunately, eating problems can continue even as the child grows older. For example, they might have aversions to certain textures of food due to their inability to properly use their lip and/or tongue.
Speech Challenges
Human speech is a complex process. The teeth, tongue, and lips are all important! Unfortunately, a lip or tongue tie may make it difficult for your child to enunciate certain sounds. If your child has a lisp or other speech abnormalities, it may be wise to get them evaluated for a lip or tongue tie.
Mouth Breathing
The mouth is an important part of the upper airway, and tissue abnormalities might interfere with proper breathing. For example, a tight labial frenulum (the tissue that connects the lip to the gums) might prevent the mouth from closing completely. In turn, this can lead to perpetual mouth breathing. Unfortunately, mouth breathing can open the way for additional problems, such as dry mouth, dental decay, and even sleep apnea.
Dental Misalignment
A tight labial frenulum may cause a gap to form between the upper front teeth. Tongue tie can also be problematic for dental alignment; it can contribute to tongue thrust, which can push the teeth in a way that causes gaps and malocclusion (a bad bite).
Gum Recession
Both the upper and lower labial frenulums are close to the gum tissue, so they can create extra tension that causes the gums to recede.
What to Do if You Believe Your Child Needs a Frenectomy
Of course, the above-listed signs and symptoms are not a surefire way to tell if your child needs a frenectomy. Some of them can be caused by a range of other oral health concerns. Take your child to visit a qualified pediatric dentist, who can provide expert guidance on the steps you can take to improve your little one’s oral health and function.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Adrienne Archidiacono-Jeanis is the leader of our team at Aledo Pediatric Dentistry. She performs laser frenectomies in a comfortable environment. If you believe your child could benefit from this service, Dr. Adrienne is ready to provide expert advice and guidance. Contact our office at 817-406-2025.