As parents, we go above and beyond for our children, so if you notice that your baby has trouble lifting or moving their tongue, it can cause concern. Your child could have a tongue tie or a lip tie, and these conditions can affect their ability to breastfeed effectively and receive all of the nutrients their growing bodies need.
August is National Breastfeeding Month, and in recognition of how important it is, Dr. Gordon provides insight into the reasons you should visit a dentist for your baby’s tongue or lip tie treatment.
1. Proper Diagnosis
Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition that babies are born with. A short, tight band of tissue connects the bottom of the tongue to the base of the mouth and limits the tongue’s range of motion. It can even impact the way a child eats, speaks, or swallows.
A lip tie is caused by a tight frenum and makes it difficult for infants to latch due to the limited movement of the upper lip.
Parents and caretakers may notice that infants with tongue tie or lip tie are not meeting certain feeding milestones. Other signs include:
- Trouble moving the tongue to the upper teeth
- Issues sticking the tongue out past the teeth
- Difficulty breastfeeding or trouble breathing while breastfeeding
- Colic
- Gassiness
2. Accurate Diagnosis
If you suspect your child has a tongue or lip tie, the benefit of seeing a dentist is that an accurate diagnosis can be provided. While these signs may indicate lip or tongue tie, something else may be causing issues, which is why it is always best to check with a professional.
3. Quick Treatment
Surgical intervention may be needed for some infants with tongue or lip tie. In these cases, Dr. Bell can treat tongue tie or lip tie in a fast, safe, and effective in-office procedure known as a frenectomy. Dr. Bell and his team have created a comfortable and relaxing environment for parents and children, putting you and your baby at ease during the quick procedure.
4. Relieve Breastfeeding Difficulties
Infants can resume feeding right after tongue or lip tie treatment. The difficulty your little one may have experienced with latching and breastfeeding will be relieved, leaving you to nourish your baby without issues.
Why Early Detection Matters
While some feeding challenges may be temporary, tongue and lip ties require professional attention to ensure they don’t interfere with your baby’s growth and development. Dentists trained in diagnosing and treating oral restrictions use specialized techniques to evaluate tongue and lip movement, often identifying a tie that others may overlook.
Early detection allows for quicker intervention, and in many cases, babies experience immediate improvements in feeding and comfort. Identifying the problem early also gives parents peace of mind, knowing they’re supporting their baby’s development from the very beginning.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Tongue or Lip Tie
Without treatment, tongue and lip tie can lead to complications beyond breastfeeding. As babies grow, restricted oral function may contribute to delayed speech development, dental issues like a gap between the front teeth, and difficulty with solid foods. Older children and even adults who were never treated may struggle with oral hygiene, sleep disorders, or challenges related to self-confidence and communication.
Visiting a dentist experienced in tongue and lip tie treatment—like the team at The Center for Dental Excellence—can help prevent these long-term issues. An early evaluation ensures that any restrictions are addressed promptly, supporting your child’s overall oral and developmental health as they grow.
Tongue Tie Treatment in York
The team at The Center for Dental Excellence is an expert at relieving tongue tie and lip tie in infants, as well as children and adults. If you notice your child is having trouble while breastfeeding, plan to visit our specialists soon. Early detection of lip and tongue tie can prevent feeding complications and support your baby’s healthy development. Schedule an appointment online or call one of our locations today.