Does My Child’s Lip or Tongue Tie Need to Be Fixed?

Is your child struggling to swallow certain foods? Do they often breathe with their mouth open at night? Are they feeling self-conscious around their peers at school because they have a speech impediment? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it could be that they have a lip or tongue tie that needs to be released. The only way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with their pediatric dentist, but there are a few ways you can tell early on that a treatment may be necessary. Here are 6 signs that point to your child needing a frenectomy.

The Release of the Lip or Tongue Tie: A Frenectomy

If you’re wondering, “What is a frenectomy?” It is a procedure that releases the banded tissue located behind the upper lip or underneath the tongue. It is most commonly performed using a soft tissue laser, as this particular method is quick, easy to complete, and results in minimal swelling and bleeding. It also allows for a much shorter recovery time because of optimal precision.

6 Signs a Frenectomy is Necessary

When watching your child, you may discover there are several problems that can arise should a lip or tongue tie be present. If you notice any of the following, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist to discuss a frenectomy:

• Your child breathes through their mouth while asleep. Oftentimes, a lip tie can be too tight, making it difficult for your little one to fully close their mouth.
• They develop a speech impediment. This particular problem not only makes it harder to speak clearly, but they may become self-conscious and embarrassed when surrounded by their peers. As a result, it can take a toll on their ability to maintain healthy relationships with friends.
• They begin to have trouble swallowing certain foods. When a tongue tie is too restricted, it can make pushing food through the oral cavity and down the throat increasingly difficult.
• They develop a gap between their upper front two teeth. If a lip tie is thick and restricted, it will cause these teeth to separate and create a gap.
• You begin to notice their gums receding. When a lip or tongue tie is not treated in a timely manner, it can begin to pull on the gum tissue, resulting in a recession that opens them up to the potential risk for gum disease.
• Your infant may experience difficulty breastfeeding, being unable to latch effectively and become fussy. As a result, they may have a hard time gaining weight and become frustrated.

Any of these symptoms can be easily remedied with a frenectomy, so do not be alarmed. While most children develop problems during infancy, they may not become more prominent until childhood or even in adolescence or adulthood.

By choosing to have your child treated with a frenectomy, you will improve their oral health and daily comfort while also enhancing their self-esteem.

About the Author
Dr. Maggie Davis earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Florida. As a board-certified pediatric dentist and diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, she is certified in treating infant and pediatric tongue ties and lip ties by the American Board of Laser Surgery. She is also a graduate of Dr. Richard Baxter’s Tongue Tie Academy and TOTS: Tethered Oral Tissue program. If you believe your child may be dealing with a lip or tongue tie, call our office at (727) 786-7551 or visit our website.