Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment Danville
Freedom for Your Baby’s Smile
If your child has been struggling to feed, there is a chance that they have a lip or tongue tie. These abnormalities, which are present at birth in many children, can restrict movement of the oral tissues and lead to a host of difficulties and complications. The good news is that lip and tongue ties are highly treatable via a procedure called a frenectomy. Continue reading below to learn more about how our Danville team can contribute to freedom for your baby’s smile.
Why Choose Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Danville for Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment?
- Soft Tissue Laser for Fast & Comfortable Treatment
- Highly Skilled Pediatric Dentistry Team
- Protect Your Child’s Long-Term Oral Health
How Do Lip and Tongue Ties Develop?
A lip tie occurs when the band of tissue between a lip and the gums is too short or thick. This tissue, called a frenulum or frenum, thus restricts proper movement of the lips. A tongue tie is similar, but it occurs when the frenulum that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is causing the restriction.
Lip and tongue ties can develop for various reasons, such as genetics, nutrient insufficiencies during pregnancy, and other factors.
Here are some signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of a lip or tongue tie:
- Your child does not easily latch while nursing.
- Your baby is overly fussy.
- Your baby cannot easily hold a pacifier in their mouth.
- Your baby is slow to gain weight.
As a breastfeeding mother, you may also experience some symptoms, such as pain while nursing, clogged milk ducts, and poor milk supply.
Why Is It Important to Treat Lip & Tongue Ties?
Treating lip and tongue ties is important because these issues can continue to cause problems throughout childhood and adulthood if they are not addressed in a timely manner. For example, your child may experience delays in speech development, or they might avoid certain textures of food. Dental problems, such as cavities, bad breath, and tooth misalignment, are also more likely to occur. Some kids even experience behavioral problems due to the challenges presented by an untreated lip or tongue tie.
Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment
The standard treatment for a lip or tongue tie is a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a frenectomy. We simply use a soft tissue laser to modify or remove the frenulum that is causing the problem. Then, your baby should have full movement of their oral structures. The procedure is fast and relatively comfortable. Recovery time is short as well. The soft tissue laser minimizes bleeding and the risk of infection.
The procedure is so fast and easy that breastfeeding is encouraged immediately afterward!
Lip & Tongue Tie FAQs
How Should I Prepare My Baby for a Frenectomy?
You really do not have to do much to prepare your baby for their procedure. They will not realize what is happening, and they will not remember their frenectomy. Still, it would be a good idea to make efforts to help them stay calm and avoid extra stress. We also recommend that you feed them 60 – 90 minutes before their procedure so they are a bit hungry when it concludes; they should be ready to nurse right after the frenectomy is finished.
Another thing that we may advise is that you do a few mouth exercises with your baby in the days leading up to their frenectomy. For example, you can try placing a clean finger on their tongue so they can suck on it. Gently pull it away so they have to work a bit harder to keep it in. You can also rub a clean finger along their lower gum, so their tongue will follow your movements.
Does a Frenectomy Hurt?
Lip and tongue tie treatment is a surgical procedure, so you might naturally wonder if it will cause your baby pain or discomfort. Fortunately, frenectomies are surprisingly comfortable! Our team uses a precise soft tissue laser, which minimizes discomfort. In some cases, we do not even have to use local anesthetic. There may be some mild soreness afterward, but our team will coach you on how to make your baby’s recovery as easy and efficient as possible.
Is My Child Old Enough to Get Lip or Tongue Tie Treatment?
There is basically no minimum age for a lip or tongue tie release. In fact, this procedure can be performed as soon as a few days after birth.
Getting the treatment done as early as possible is highly beneficial. It can prevent feeding issues and promote healthy development of your baby’s oral structures. It might also spare them from the future need for orthodontic care and other expensive and uncomfortable procedures.
Will My Baby Cry During the Frenectomy?
Babies do often cry during their frenectomy. However, this is not usually due to pain. They are simply stressed because they are in an unfamiliar environment, and they may dislike the sensation of something holding them still during the procedure.
If you hear your baby crying during their appointment, do not be alarmed. Our team has helped lots of kids through this procedure, and we are experienced in telling the difference between normal distress and real, worrisome problems.
What Could Happen If My Child Doesn’t Get Treatment for a Lip or Tongue Tie?
Sadly, failure to get timely lip or tongue tie treatment for your child could cause them to experience failure to thrive. They may not be able to breastfeed or bottle feed properly, which can lead to slow weight gain. Even as they grow older, they may continue to experience issues, such as delayed speech development, trouble with certain foods, and an increased risk of dental problems. Since lip and tongue ties do not go away or “stretch out” as time passes, prompt care can be essential for your baby’s long-term well-being!