Fort Collins parents may encounter a common yet often misunderstood issue concerning their children's oral health: tongue tie . Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, can affect infants and children, potentially causing a range of symptoms that impact their feeding, speech, and oral development. In this post, we'll explain what tongue tie is, its symptoms, and how pediatric dentistry can address this concern for Colorado families.
Lip and Tongue Tie Revision: All You Need to Know
What is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie occurs when the thin strip of tissue, called the frenulum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is shorter than usual or restricts the tongue's movement. Similarly, a lip tie involves a tight or thick band of tissue attaching the upper lip to the gums. These conditions can vary in severity and may go unnoticed in some cases.
Symptoms of Tongue and Lip Tie
Feeding Difficulties: One of the most common signs of tongue tie in infants is difficulty with breastfeeding. Babies may struggle to latch properly, leading to inadequate milk transfer, poor weight gain, and maternal discomfort.
Speech Development Issues: As children grow older, untreated tongue tie can affect speech development. It may manifest as difficulty articulating certain sounds, such as "t," "d," "s," and "z," or in more severe cases, lead to speech impediments.
Oral Hygiene Challenges: Children with tongue or lip tie may have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene. Limited tongue mobility can hinder effective cleaning of teeth and gums, potentially leading to dental issues like cavities and gum disease.
Oral Functionality: Tongue tie can impact various oral functions beyond feeding and speech, such as licking, swallowing, and even kissing. These limitations may affect social interactions and self-esteem, especially as children grow older.
Orthodontic Concerns: In some cases, untreated tongue or lip tie can contribute to orthodontic problems, such as misalignment of teeth or issues with jaw development. Early detection and intervention can help prevent or minimize these complications.
Addressing Tongue and Lip Tie in Rockies Kids
Pediatric dentists play a crucial role in identifying and addressing tongue and lip tie in children. Through a comprehensive oral examination, including assessment of tongue mobility and frenulum attachment, dentists can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Frenectomy: For moderate to severe cases of tongue or lip tie, a frenectomy may be necessary. This minor surgical procedure involves releasing the tight or thick frenulum to improve tongue mobility and function. Laser frenectomy, in particular, offers a precise and minimally invasive approach with faster healing times.
Postoperative Care: Following a frenectomy, pediatric dentists provide guidance on postoperative care to promote healing and optimal oral function. This may include exercises to improve tongue mobility, proper oral hygiene practices, and monitoring for any signs of complications.
Multidisciplinary Approach: In complex cases involving speech or feeding difficulties, pediatric dentists collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as lactation consultants, speech therapists, and otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists), to ensure comprehensive care tailored to the child's needs.
Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies Can Help With Your Child’s Lip or Tongue Tie
Ensuring children's oral health is vital for their overall well-being and quality of life. By understanding the symptoms of tongue and lip tie and seeking early intervention from pediatric dentistry professionals, Fort Collins families can address this common issue and support their children's healthy oral development for years to come.
Schedule an appointment with us at Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies to take the first step of your child’s oral health journey.
