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Far too often, oral restrictions, or lip and tongue-ties as they are more commonly known, are brushed off as “nothing serious” or “problems that will pass.” The truth is that this level of disregard can negatively affect a baby, child, teenager, or adult’s quality of life. From feeding and speaking to breathing and self-confidence, keep reading to find out just how impactful these restricted bands of tissues can be.
How Does a Lip or Tongue-Tie Form?
When the frenulum or the connective tissue located behind the upper lip or underneath the tongue remains thick and restricted, it is referred to as a lip or tongue-tie. Before birth, this tissue forms but stretches over time to allow for greater oral mobility. However, for some infants, this step does not occur, which means the tissue remains tight.
What Problems Can Occur with a Lip or Tongue-Tie?
While many healthcare professionals dismiss the potential issues that can form as a result of a lip or tongue-tie, there is clear evidence that shows how limited oral movement can negatively impact a person’s life. Here are a few examples:
- Infant Nursing/Bottle-Feeding: When the lip or tongue cannot move properly, it causes a baby to be unable to latch effectively. This leads to poor weight gain, increased fussiness, acid reflux, colic, and longer feeding times. For mothers, it can result in symptoms of depression as well as sore nipples, mastitis, and blocked ducts.
- Speech Development: Lip and tongue-ties that remain untreated can cause children to develop a speech impediment because these oral components cannot move and function as they should. The tongue needs to be able to press against the back of the upper teeth to form certain sounds, which can be difficult if it cannot freely move forward.
- Poor Oral Health: The tongue’s purpose of moving food toward the back of the mouth in preparation for swallowing and digestion is essential for better nutrition. However, if it is restricted by a band of tissue, it can lead to choking and reaching for softer foods that lack valuable daily nutrients. Also, a lip-tie can cause a gap to form between the upper front two teeth, allowing food debris and bacteria to become trapped and increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
- Poor Breathing: Sleep-breathing disorders are not uncommon among children and teenagers; however, those with a lip or tongue-tie may be at a higher risk. If the mouth is unable to close because of a lip-tie, it can lead to mouth breathing, causing a dry environment that not only harbors bad bacteria but also increases the chances of snoring and sleep apnea. This poor oral posture can affect a child’s facial and jaw development.
What Kind of Treatment is Available?
To treat your child’s lip or tongue-tie, you’ll want to find a local expert who is skilled and qualified to perform frenectomies. This quick and simple procedure involves releasing the banded tissue with a soft tissue laser so the tongue or lip can move freely.
In just minutes, your baby, child, or teenager can enjoy a better quality of life – one that allows for better breathing, speaking, and eating.
About the Author
Dr. Justin Welke is a board-certified pediatric dentist who completed his general dentistry training at the University of Illinois at Chicago. After a two-year pediatric dentistry advanced program at the UIC Hospital, he went on to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Offering laser frenectomies to families in need, he and his team make the process easy, painless, and less stressful than ever before. Contact us via our website or by calling (312) 248-2455 to learn how we can help.