Does My Child Need a Tongue or Lip-Tie Release?
Does My Child Need a Tongue or Lip-Tie Release?
BY DR. AZI A. ARDAKANI, DDS
Has your baby been struggling with breastfeeding? Or maybe your little one has trouble speaking or swallowing. These signs may indicate a tongue or lip-tie, which are relatively common conditions that can impact a child’s health and quality of life. Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry is pleased to offer laser frenectomies to gently release tongue or lip-ties, improving the range of motion and helping your little hero thrive!
What Are Tongue and Lip-Ties?
The mouth contains thin pieces of tissue known as frenula that help stabilize the tongue and lips. The lingual frenulum connects the base of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, while the maxillary labial frenulum attaches the center of the upper lip to the gum tissues between the two upper front teeth. There are also frenuli connecting the side of the upper lip to the right and left gum area under the upper lip.
A tongue or lip-ties can occur if the lingual or labial frenulum is too thick or short, often limiting the range of motion and restricting or interfering with mobility. Tongue and lip-ties can significantly impact a child’s health and well-being.
How Can a Tongue or Lip-Tie Affect Your Child?
While many children don’t experience problems due to their tongue or lip-ties, some deal with complications, including the following:
● Breastfeeding Difficulties: Babies with tongue or lip-ties have breastfeeding difficulties due to trouble latching, causing dehydration, poor weight gain, and frustration and discomfort for both the baby and mother.
● Speech Impediments: A tongue or lip-tie can restrict the movement of a child’s tongue or lips, often leading to speech impediments, including lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
● Orthodontic Problems: Tongue and lip-ties can cause large gaps between the two front top teeth and may also result in tooth misalignment.
● Digestive Issues: Tongue and lip-ties can make it hard for a baby to swallow, often leading to gas and digestive concerns.
● Poor Oral Hygiene: Tongue and lip-ties can interfere with proper oral hygiene care, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
●Early Childhood Caries: due to pocket formation close to the lip tied area, food can stay and facilitate cavity formation.
● Additional Concerns: Tongue and lip ties have been linked to a number of other problems, including sleep apnea, ear infections, and anxiety.
Laser Frenectomies – An Overview
A tongue or lip-tie release is a procedure known as a frenectomy. Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry offers safe and virtually painless frenectomies using our cutting-edge soft tissue laser. The simple procedure takes only a few minutes to complete.
Unlike traditional surgical tongue or lip-tie releases involving scissors or scalpels, laser frenectomies require no or very little anesthesia and no stitches, are virtually painless, and need minimal recovery time. Your child will have minimal to no bleeding, less risk of infection, and can resume nursing right after treatment. This is due to the cauterizing capability of laser as it helps in immediate blockage of veniuls.
Healing After a Laser Frenectomy
It’s important to follow the post-operative instructions to promote healing. You will need to perform stretching exercises several times a day for about four weeks to prevent the frenulum from reattaching. Dr. Azi will demonstrate how to do the stretches to promote healing. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure to contact our office.
Laser Frenectomies Near Me in Laguna Hills, CA
If you think your child has a tongue or lip-tie, contact Little Heroes of Orange County Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Azi may recommend a laser frenectomy to improve your child’s health and quality of life. We invite you to call our office at 949-342-1484 to schedule your child’s appointment or request one online today!
