The link between reflux, constipation, and tongue ties is important, but one that is often overlooked. These conditions, if not addressed, can potentially harm a child’s growth and health.
A tongue tie can cause a narrow upper airway, making breathing hard for kids. This often leads to swallowing air, which can trigger reflux symptoms. Untreated, reflux can cause stomach acid to flow back up. This irritates the gut and can lead to constipation.
To learn more about tongue tie treatment in Tampa, please talk to your dentist.
What is a Tongue-Tie?
A lingual frenulum is a band of tissue. It connects the tongue to the mouth’s floor. If it is too short, thick, or tight, it limits the tongue’s movement. This disease is medically referred to as tongue-tie or ankyloglossia. Fewer parents know it may cause stomach problems. Many know it affects breastfeeding and speaking.
The Link Between Tongue Ties and Digestive Problems
Children with tongue tie can experience gastrointestinal problems. This makes it hard to eat and swallow.
Tongue-Ties and Constipation
Constipation is one common problem associated with tongue-ties. The limited ability to move the tongue can cause:
- Improper chewing. Children with tongue ties may struggle to chew food. Larger, poorly chewed chunks might get ingested by them.
- Inefficient swallowing. Limited tongue mobility can weaken the swallowing reflex.
- Altered vagus nerve stimulation. The tongue-tie release often relaxes and stimulates the vagus nerve. It is crucial for digestion.
Tongue-Ties and Reflux
Another digestive problem that tongue-ties might affect is reflux. In babies, feeding often makes them swallow air. This is linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GER). Infants that have tongue-tie may find it difficult to latch onto the breast or bottle, which can lead to:
- Excessive air intake. A poor latch often causes a “clicking” sound during feeding. This indicates that air is being swallowed with the milk or formula.
- Inadequate seal. A poor seal around the nipple may let in more air. This increases the risk of reflux symptoms in babies.
- Inefficient feeding. A struggle to feed can lead to over- or underfeeding. Both can worsen reflux symptoms.
Recognizing Tongue-Tie Signs
Recognizing the signs of a tongue-tie is crucial for early intervention. Some indicators include:
- Difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding
- Clicking sounds while nursing or bottle-feeding.
- Gassiness or colic-like symptoms
- Poor weight gain or slow growth
- Issues with speech when the youngster gets older
Treatment Options
If you suspect your child has a tongue tie, it’s advised that you have them evaluated by a tongue tie specialist who can assess the condition and suggest proper treatment. A frenectomy is the most common technique used to cure tongue knots. To improve tongue movement, this small procedure involves loosening the constricted frenulum. Modern methods, like laser frenectomy, give quick, painless results with little recovery time.
The Impact of Treatment
After a frenectomy, parents often see big improvements in their child’s eating and digestion. Their comfort also improves. Many report less constipation and reflux. This shows the need to treat tongue ties for good digestive health.
Contact Tampa Tongue Tie Center Today
If your child has ongoing digestive issues, consider acquiring treatment from our tongue tie center in Tampa. Our team of experts can provide thorough evaluations and adjust the treatment to suit your little one’s unique needs.
For more information, please email or call us today to schedule a consultation.