Lip and tongue ties are among the most common physical abnormalities present at birth. These issues, which involve overly thick or short oral tissues that restrict movement of the lip or tongue, are usually diagnosed during infancy. However, they can get missed in some cases, so even as your child grows, you should be aware of signs that they might need a frenectomy, which is the standard treatment for lip and tongue ties. What specific signs should you be on the lookout for? This blog post lists five.
Difficult Eating
If mealtime consistently presents challenges for your child, do not dismiss them as simple picky eating or a temporary phase. If your child struggles to eat efficiently, a lip or tongue tie may be the cause. You might notice that your child takes a long time to finish meals or shows frustration during feeding. Infants may have difficulty latching while breastfeeding, and older children might avoid certain foods that require a lot of chewing or tongue movement.
Speech Challenges
One of the most noticeable effects of a lip or tongue tie is difficulty with speech. If your child struggles to articulate certain sounds, has a lisp, or seems slow to develop age-appropriate language skills, oral restrictions may be hindering their progress. Difficulties with “t,” “d,” “l,” “r,” and “th” sounds are especially common with lip and tongue ties.
While not all speech issues stem from oral ties, persistent or unexplained speech challenges warrant an evaluation by a professional.
Mouth Breathing
You may notice that your child frequently breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. Mouth breathing can stem from a number of causes, but one possibility is a lip or tongue tie.
These restrictions may prevent your child from comfortably closing their mouth, especially while sleeping. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, increased risk of cavities, poor quality sleep, and other serious issues.
A Gap Between the Two Front Teeth
A visible gap between your child’s upper front teeth, known as a diastema, can sometimes result from a thick or tight labial frenulum — the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. If this tissue is abnormally attached or unusually thick, it can prevent the teeth from coming together as they should.
While gaps in baby teeth often close naturally as adult teeth erupt, a persistent or significant gap may require intervention. Your dentist can determine whether a frenectomy will open the way for healthier tooth alignment.
Gum Recession
Gum recession in children is uncommon but may be seen when a tight frenulum pulls on the gum tissue. If you notice that your child’s gumline is receding away from their teeth, especially near the upper or lower front teeth, this could be caused by a lip or tongue tie. Timely treatment may stop gum recession and protect your child’s long-term oral health.
Do you suspect that your child could benefit from a frenectomy? Now is the time to get them evaluated. The sooner they receive treatment, the fewer long-term complications they are likely to experience.
Meet the Practice
At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Danville, Dr. Margaret Santiago and our team are pleased to offer soft tissue laser frenectomies for children in a comfortable setting. We recognize the dangers of lip and tongue ties, and we want to help kids in our community find freedom from such issues. To learn more about us and how we may be of service to your family, contact our office at 925-575-8878.