As your baby grows and transitions from formula and purees to solid foods, many things can influence their eating habits. Surprisingly, lip and tongue ties, are also a part of that list. Normally, these small deformations are associated with breastfeeding challenges. However, they can also shape your baby’s ability to switch over to solids.
If you want to learn more about lip and tongue ties and how a frenectomy could help your child eat better, continue reading.
What is a Lip or Tongue Tie?
It’s a semi-common occurrence that a child is born with a thicker-than-normal lingual frenulum. This tissue connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of your mouth and your lips to the gums. When this happens, it severely limits the movements of the tongue and lips, causing multiple issues.
How Do Lip and Tongue Ties Affect Eating in Children?
In the early breastfeeding stages, lip and tongue-ties can create challenges with latching for breastfeeding. Later, during the transition to solid foods, the limited mobility may present other challenges. For instance, these restrictions can make it hard to position food properly for chewing and swallowing.
How Can a Frenectomy Help My Child?
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that increases the mobility of the lingual frenulum by severing it. While the frenulum has very few nerve endings, it can still be uncomfortable for children. So, first, your child’s dentist will numb the tissue with an anesthetic.
Once the frenulum is numbed, the dentist will then use an instrument to carefully release the tension of the lip or tongue tie. Finally, they’ll apply a small amount of gauze over the tissue. The whole procedure is over quickly with no pain and very little in the way of bleeding.
A frenectomy is a fast and easy way to relieve your child from a condition that would otherwise cause discomfort. As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in the “should I?” or “wait and see” mindsets when it comes to your child’s growth. However, with a lip or tongue tie, it is better to be safe than sorry. If your child is having trouble eating, visit their dentist to see if a frenectomy can offer relief.
About the Practice
Dr. Stephen Walker and Dr. Sammy Houari are your friendly and talented dentists at Texas Dental Surgery. They work hard to provide a comfortable environment for patients of all ages to receive top-notch dental care. Both dentists continue to expand their skill sets through continuing education and stay informed about the latest dental technology and techniques. Call (469) 296-8680 to schedule a frenectomy consultation, or visit the website to explore other services.