Tongue & Lip Ties
At Creekside Dental, we understand that tongue and lip ties can significantly affect your child’s feeding, speech, and overall dental health. These conditions, which occur when the frenulum—the small band of tissue connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth—is too tight or short, are more common than many parents realize.
Recognizing and addressing these issues early is crucial for ensuring your child’s development and comfort.
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than normal. This can restrict the movement of the tongue, leading to challenges in breastfeeding, eating, and speaking.
Symptoms may include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, a heart-shaped appearance of the tongue, or issues with articulating certain sounds as your child grows.
What is a Lip Tie?
For parents, recognizing the signs of a tongue tie baby can be crucial. Some common indicators include:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding, leading to painful feedings for the mother.
- Short feeding times, as the baby may tire easily.
Clicking sounds while nursing, indicating an ineffective latch. - Poor weight gain or growth.
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a pediatric dentist who can evaluate your child’s condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Tongue Tie and Breastfeeding
Tongue tie can significantly impact breastfeeding. A baby with a tongue tie may struggle to latch correctly, which can lead to inadequate milk intake and frustration for both the baby and mother.
If you suspect a tongue tie, addressing the issue early can make a significant difference in your breastfeeding journey. Treatment options, including tongue tie surgery, can help improve your child’s ability to latch and feed effectively, leading to a more positive breastfeeding experience.
Tongue & Lip Tie Surgery
In some cases, tongue tie or lip tie surgery may be necessary to correct the condition. This simple procedure, often performed in a dentist’s office, involves cutting the tight tissue to free the tongue/lip.
Many parents report immediate improvements in their child’s feeding and speech following the procedure.
It’s essential to consult with a pediatric dentist who has experience in treating tongue and lip ties to discuss the best course of action for your child.
Empowering Your Child with the Right Care
If you suspect your child has a tongue tie or lip tie, reach out to our office. Creekside Dental is here to support you and your child through the assessment and treatment process. We believe in creating a comfortable environment where you can ask questions and feel informed about your child’s care.
Creekside Dental is a new clinic with an experienced team led by Dr. Brian Hu.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions to help you feel informed and confident about your dental care, and our team is always here to assist with any further inquiries.
