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Do you have a baby who struggles to latch during feedings or seems fussier than most infants? If so, they might be suffering from a lip or tongue tie. That means they might have an overly tight, short, or thick band of tissue (frenulum) anchoring their tongue or lips to their mouth, restricting its full range of motion.
Their pediatric dentist can treat it with a frenectomy, but you might avoid scheduling this procedure if you’ve heard misinformation about your child’s condition. Continue reading to learn 3 myths about lip and tongue ties that you shouldn’t believe!
Myth #1: It Won’t Impact Your Child’s Future
Many well-meaning parents assume that their child’s condition might impact them temporarily while they’re still a baby, but that it’s not likely to impact their oral health long term. However, that’s not always the case. Although more minor instances might be less risky, kids with more severe lip or tongue ties can be affected in several ways.
For example, they might struggle to nurse as a baby, which can lead to malnutrition. Then, as they grow, they might struggle with eating food off a utensil or manipulating chewed food to the back of their throat for swallowing. They can also develop speech impediments that could be avoided by treating their condition sooner rather than later.
Myth #2: You Can Safely Treat It at Home
It’s natural to want to avoid any circumstances that might cause unnecessary anxiety for your baby, such as a frenectomy procedure to treat their lip or tongue tie. As a result, you might assume you can address it on your own at home. You wouldn’t be the first parent to consider snipping their kids’ frenulum with a pair of scissors to avoid an extra dental appointment, but you might come to regret it if you try.
Performing your own at-home procedure comes with additional risks of bleeding and infection that can harm your child’s dental health. Meanwhile, their pediatric dentist has specialized training to safely sever their frenulum with a laser scalpel that cauterizes the wound immediately to help prevent potential complications. This also reduces discomfort and results in less bleeding.
Myth #3: It Will Stretch Out on Its Own
Although it’s possible for children with more minor lip or tongue ties to grow out of their condition eventually, that’s the exception rather than the rule. If you’re assuming that their frenulum will resolve its own in time, you may end up disappointed.
The tissue comprising this stretch of flesh is structurally restrictive and doesn’t usually stretch out. Instead, it usually becomes more limiting as your kid’s mouth continues to grow, but their frenulum remains just as tight until it’s treated.
If you have additional questions about how a frenectomy can improve your child’s oral health, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with their pediatric dentist!
About the Practice
At the Chicago Tongue-Tie Center, your family benefits from two board-certified pediatric dentists eager to help children build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Justin and Dr. Bindi utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide comfortable, accurate procedures that address your child’s lip or tongue tie. Plus, their welcoming environment and concierge-level service are sure to help you and your little one feel at ease. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (312) 248-2455.