When you add a little one to your family, you may be excited about the new experiences it’ll bring. You’ll be the first to know about a new human in the world and learn more about them as they progress through life. However, there are many challenges you’ll have to deal with at the beginning, ranging from daily living to your sleep schedule.
One you may not have anticipated was inconsolable crying from your loved one. This may be a sign of colic, but what causes it? A lip- and tongue-tie might be to blame, so here’s what you need to know about the connection between these conditions.
What Is Colic?
In short, colic is characterized by your baby crying excessively and intensely for prolonged periods of time. Your loved one may be otherwise healthy, but the exact cause of it isn’t known. However, there may be several factors that play a role, such as abdominal pain or severe gas/obstruction in the intestines.
What Are Lip- and Tongue-Ties?
Lip- and tongue-tie is when the band of tissue (frenulum) that connects the lips to the gums or the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too thick or short. It can restrict movement, causing a wide range of problems for your loved one.
Connection Between Lip- & Tongue-Ties and Colic
These two conditions may seem like they don’t have anything to do with each other, but they are connected in some ways. They are both involved in how your child feeds. Your loved one may have difficulty latching because of their lip- or tongue-tie. This can cause them to take in excess amounts of air while nursing, making them bloated or gassy.
Since your loved one cannot properly feed because of the tie, they might not be getting enough milk. They may still be hungry, which can lead to poor weight gain, but also frustration in them. This and fussiness can make them cry more than you expect.
How Is a Lip- or Tongue-Tie Treated?
If your child’s crying is caused by a lip- or tongue-tie, then you may wonder how you can get it treated. Thankfully, there is a simple procedure called a frenectomy that does just that! Their pediatric dentist will use a soft tissue laser that releases the frenulum. This advanced dental technology helps make the treatment quick and effective. Your loved one will even be able to breastfeed immediately afterward! That way, you and your child can get the relief and comfort you both deserve.
About the Practice
At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Danville, your loved one benefits from a compassionate team of pediatric dentists. With many of them being board-certified, we can give kids in the local community the high-quality and comfortable care they deserve. By coming to us, we can find out if your child has a lip- or tongue-tie and treat it with state-of-the-art instruments. If you suspect your child has this oral condition, schedule an appointment or call our office at (925) 575-8878.