The terms tongue tip and lip tie may not be familiar to a majority of people. These are oral issues that impact infants and children specifically. If they are left unaddressed, further health problems can arise in the future. So, it’s important to have it treated when you can.
For more information about tongue tie and lip tie treatments, contact our pediatric tongue-tie center in Tampa.
What are Tongue Tie and Lip Tie?
This condition arises during the early stages of fetal development. Lip ties and tongue ties for babies occur when tissues surrounding these areas, known as the frenulum, form abnormally. Such tissues are usually short and thick, which reduces one’s range of motion.
As a result, it’s important to have tongue-tie for infants and lip ties for infants and growing children to be remedied for the sake of their oral health and social reasons as well.
With all that said, conditions surrounding the tongue and lip frenulum are not exclusively taught in dental and medical schools. This means that health professionals as well as ordinary people, like parents, aren’t aware nor are they knowledgeable about how this plays a role in their child’s health.
Here at our local dental clinic, we offer treatments for tongue-tie for children and lip ties for children as well. Get in touch with us today! We’ll be happy to answer all your questions and concerns regarding the process, so you know precisely what to expect.
What Issues Can Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Cause?
This oral affliction can result in many different issues, some of the most notable ones including the following:
• Problems breastfeeding for babies.
• Difficulties speaking. Tongue-tie can lead to problems pronouncing r, s, t, d, and l sounds, whereas lip tie can make it harder to pronounce m, b, and p sounds.
• Breathing disorders. This can include snoring and sleep apnea.
• Neck aches.
• Headaches.
• A heightened gag reflex.
• Can harm one’s social development, as it can cause feelings of embarrassment when it comes to communicating.
• Lip tie specifically can tie rise to dental issues, such as large gaps between your teeth or crowding.
• Can lead to poor oral hygiene. Restrictions regarding your tongue and lip movement can pose a challenge to brushing and removing food debris from your mouth.
Treating Tongue Tie and Lip Tie
This process is known as a frenotomy. It is a very straightforward and quick process that involves removing the excess frenulum near one’s tongue or lips with a laser or with a pair of sterile dental scissors. This is a surgical treatment. However, it is safe for patients of all ages. Depending on the case, local anesthesia may be administered.
Minor bleeding may occur which is perfectly normal however it won’t last long.
Before committing to any type of procedure, always be sure to book a consultation with a dentist or a pediatric dentist near you. They’ll perform a thorough examination of your child’s mouth and may take a series of dental x-rays too to establish an in-depth picture of their oral health. The dentist will walk you through the process and be able to identify whether this is the best course of action for your child or if an alternative treatment may be more appropriate.
Are you looking for convenient tongue tie and lip tie treatment for your baby or young child? Here at Tampa Tongue Tie Center, our staff is happy to assist you and your child with all their oral health needs. Call or visit our website to book an appointment today!