Improve Your Child’s Oral Health and Quality of Life with Tongue-tie Treatment
Even the smallest dental issues can affect your child’s oral health. For instance, a lip or tongue tie can affect speech progress, breastfeeding, and overall development. The good news is that Champlain Smile Solutions offers tongue-tie treatment in Burlington, Vermont, to help your child live a healthier, more comfortable life. If you suspect your child has a tongue-tie, visit Drs. Kay and Matthew Giulianelli, to restore your child’s comfort and oral health.
What is a tongue or lip tie?
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the band of tissue (frenulum) on the underside of the tongue is too thick or short, restricting the tongue’s mobility. Usually, when you stick out the tongue, it can move past the lower lip or reach the upper palate. However, this isn’t possible for patients with a tongue-tie. A lip tie happens when the membrane connecting the upper lip to the gums is too short or tight, inhibiting lip movement.
How do I identify a lip or tongue-tie in my child?
The exact cause of lip or tongue-ties isn’t fully understood, but research suggests they may be hereditary. These conditions also tend to occur more frequently in boys than in girls.
So, how do you know your little one has a tongue or lip tie? While only a doctor can diagnose the condition by examining how the lip or tongue moves, keep an eye out for the following signs and symptoms
- Clicking sounds when breastfeeding
- Struggling to get an optimal nursing position
- Milk leaking from the sides of the mouth
- A poor latch when breastfeeding
- Fussiness
- Your child may be gassy or develop digestive issues
- Pain or cracked nipples for the nursing mother
The symptoms may be different for older children. They may have trouble making certain sounds. Because they can’t stick their tongue past the teeth, they also experience challenges licking lips or ice cream in a cone.
Why should I treat a tied tongue or lip?
Not treating lip or tongue-tie can affect your child’s quality of life and oral health. Untreated tongue or lip ties increase the risk of issues like.
- Cavities and gum disease because of restricted oral hygiene
- Speech delays
- Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea
- Teeth grinding
Don’t let a lip or tongue affect your child’s oral development. Talk to your Burlington pediatric dentist today for treatment—it’s simple and painless but gives your child a fresh start. Breastfeeding becomes enjoyable, and they can reach their smile’s potential without limitations.
How do we treat lip or tongue-ties?
The treatment for a lip or tongue-tie is a simple, quick surgical procedure called a frenectomy or lip/tongue-tie release. After a diagnosis, the dentist will develop a treatment plan to sever the restrictive tissue to ensure free lip or tongue movement. Sometimes, the procedure is done right after the examination. After treatment, we’ll provide aftercare instructions to ensure a seamless recovery.
Can a tongue-tie grow back?
A tongue tie cannot technically “grow back,” but it can appear like it has, especially in infants. If proper post-procedure care (like stretching exercises) isn’t followed, the tissue can reattach during the healing phase. Sometimes, scar tissue can form at the site of the release, limiting tongue mobility again over time.
Need a Burlington frenectomy?
Does your child struggle with breastfeeding, speech, or tongue mobility? A tongue-tie may be the cause—and Champlain Smile Solutions can help. Let’s give your child the freedom to thrive again with a tongue-tie release in Burlington, Vermont. Call (802) 899-9486 and book your visit!
