Parenting is filled with all sorts of surprises, and sometimes they come in the form of unexpected and inconspicuous challenges, such as lip and tongue ties. Although these conditions can seem minor, they can have a significant impact on a child’s development and well-being. This means that if your toddler has one (or both) of these conditions, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek professional treatment! Continue reading below to learn a little more about lip and tongue ties and why it’s always going to be in your child’s best interest to have them corrected.
A Closer Look at Lip and Tongue Ties
Lip tie is a condition in which the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is unusually thick or tight. This can greatly restrict the movement of the upper lip, potentially affecting things like breastfeeding and speech development. Tongue ties describe similar scenarios involving the connective tissue between the tongue and lower lips, and they come with more-or-less the same consequences as lip ties when left untreated.
It’s also worth noting that these conditions can occur independently or together, and they don’t resolve on their own; early intervention is the key to preventing the various problems your child may face in both the short and long term. Untreated, toddlers and older children might face difficulty when eating solid foods, deterioration in speech, difficulty maintaining oral hygiene, mouth breathing, and diminished self-confidence. Even just one of these issues can prove problematic, but compounded, your toddler’s quality of life will be noticeably impacted.
How Are Lip and Tongue Ties Resolved?
Fortunately, there are treatment options available for toddlers with lip and tongue ties. A simple procedure known as a frenectomy can easily be performed to reshape or release the tight or excessive tissue as needed, allowing for improved mobility and function of the lips and tongue. This procedure is typically quick and painless and can often be completed in-office with the use of a soft tissue laser and no anesthesia, followed by a relatively short recovery timeline.
Don’t hesitate to speak with your pediatric dentist if you suspect your child is suffering from one or both of these issues, such as if they struggle to latch during feeding sessions or they’re having trouble with early speech. By understanding the implications of untreated lip and tongue ties, it’s very possible to help your toddler thrive and reach their full potential as they grow older!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served the dental needs of families in Pelham for several years, and we look forward to working with you and your child toward a future of happy, healthy smiling! We’re thrilled to offer a wide range of pediatric services, including lip and tongue tie treatments like frenectomies. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up a visit for your child, feel free to visit us online or call us today! Telephone: (603) 635-1166.