San Francisco and Marin CA
Here’s What You Need to Know
As a parent, it’s common to face various challenges and have questions regarding your child’s development. Navigating these questions can be tricky without a guidebook to follow. When it comes to your child’s oral health, the best advice will come from a trusted dental professional. If you’re wondering about your child’s lip or tongue tie, you may be asking yourself: Will it resolve on its own? If you’re curious about lip and tongue ties, how they can affect your child, and how they can be treated, keep reading.
What Is a Lip or Tongue Tie?
A lip tie occurs when the strip of skin beneath the upper lip (the labial frenulum) is too short or thick, restricting the movement of the lip. Similarly, a tongue tie happens when the frenulum under the tongue (lingual frenulum) is too tight, limiting the movement of the tongue. This condition can interfere with important functions such as breastfeeding, speech development, and even oral hygiene.
The “Wait-and-See” Approach
As a new parent, it’s natural to be unsure of how to address a potential lip or tongue tie. Some parents may decide to take a “wait-and-see” approach, thinking that the tie might naturally resolve on its own as the child grows. While it’s true that some milder cases may stretch or loosen over time, waiting can also lead to unnecessary stress for both you and your baby.
More severe cases, especially those that interfere with breastfeeding or speech development, will likely require professional intervention. Relying on a “wait-and-see” approach could potentially cause your child more harm and delay important treatment.
What Happens if the Condition Isn’t Treated?
If left untreated, a lip or tongue tie can lead to various developmental and health challenges, including:
- Breastfeeding Difficulties: Babies with lip or tongue ties may struggle with latching, which can lead to frustration, pain for the mother, and poor feeding habits for the baby.
- Speech Development Concerns: As the child grows, limited tongue or lip movement can interfere with speech development, causing difficulties with articulation and certain sounds.
- Dental and Oral Health Issues: An untreated lip or tongue tie can contribute to misalignment of the teeth or complications with maintaining good oral hygiene.
Additionally, the excess strain caused by restricted movement may lead to dental problems down the road.
How Are Lip or Tongue Ties Treated?
Instead of waiting for the condition to resolve on its own, its best to address the issue proactively. Treatment for lip and tongue ties is typically a simple, quick, and effective procedure called a frenectomy. During this procedure, the dentist uses specialized tools to gently release the frenulum, allowing the lip or tongue to move more freely.
The frenectomy is minimally invasive, as the frenulum has very few nerve endings or blood vessels, making the process generally painless and quick for the child. As a parent, it’s completely understandable to feel nervous about your child’s first dental procedure. However, trust that the professionals at Glen Park Dental have the experience and expertise to ensure the procedure is smooth, safe, and effective.
Why Early Intervention Is Key
Early intervention for lip and tongue ties can prevent long-term developmental issues. It’s important not to rely solely on advice from non-professionals online, as well-meaning as it may be.
If you suspect that your child is dealing with a lip or tongue tie, don’t wait. Contact Glen Park Dental today to schedule a consultation and discuss the best course of action.
CONTACT GLEN PARK DENTAL:
Phone: (415) 799-3900
LOCATION
4 Joost Ave, San Francisco, CA 94131
Getting the right care early on can make all the difference in your child’s oral health, speech, and overall well-being. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way!
