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Every child’s smile and milestones are unique, but sometimes small challenges can arise that are easy to address with the right care. Tongue and lip ties are common conditions that can affect how your child eats, speaks, or even smiles. These ties happen when a small piece of tissue limits movement under the tongue or lip. The good news is that identifying these signs early can help your child overcome small hurdles and continue to grow and thrive with ease.
What Is a Tongue or Lip Tie?
A tongue tie, also called ankyloglossia, happens when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight. This limits how the tongue moves. A lip tie is similar but involves the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums.
Both conditions can make everyday activities challenging for children. Recognizing these issues early on helps prevent further complications.
Common Signs in Infants
For babies, feeding problems are often the first sign. These include difficulty latching during breastfeeding or taking a bottle. Babies may also seem fussy or take longer to feed than usual.
Here are more signs to watch for in infants:
● Clicking sounds while feeding
● Slow weight gain
● Milk leaking from the sides of the mouth
● Trouble staying latched onto the breast
If these signs are present, it might be time to talk to a dentist or doctor.
Symptoms in Toddlers and Older Children
As children grow, tongue or lip ties can lead to other problems. These can include trouble with eating certain foods or speaking clearly. Some kids might struggle to move their tongues properly, making it hard to pronounce certain sounds.
Look for these signs in toddlers and older kids:
● Difficulty eating chewy or solid foods
● Speech delays or unclear pronunciation
● Trouble licking lips or sticking out the tongue
● Gaps between the front teeth
If you notice these, it’s worth getting an evaluation. Early treatment can help avoid issues in school or social settings.
Why an Evaluation Matters
A tongue or lip tie evaluation can help pinpoint the problem. This usually involves a simple exam where a professional checks the tissue under the tongue and lip. In some cases, other tests might be used to assess the extent of the restriction.
During the evaluation, the dentist or doctor will also discuss symptoms and review your child’s feeding, speech, and overall health history. They can recommend treatment if needed.
Treatment Options
If a tie is confirmed, treatment may involve a procedure to release the tissue. This can often be done quickly and with minimal discomfort using modern tools like a laser.
The benefits of treatment include:
● Easier feeding for infants
● Improved speech clarity for older children
● Better oral hygiene due to increased tongue mobility
Treatment is not always necessary. In some cases, therapy or exercises may be enough to help improve movement and function.
What to Do Next
If you suspect your child has a tongue or lip tie, it’s important to seek professional advice. A pediatric dentist can provide guidance and help determine the best course of action.
Don’t let tongue or lip ties hold your child back from reaching their full potential. At The Children’s Dental Center, our skilled team provides gentle, modern care to help your child thrive. Schedule your appointment with us today!
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