Many children are born with a lip or tongue tie, but it may not be found until after certain complications occur with an infant’s development. Feeding difficulties are common signs your little one may need a frenectomy. The simple, minimally invasive procedure gives your infant the mobility they need to maintain a nutritious diet. Here’s how a tied lip or tongue can affect your child’s diet, especially as they transition to solids.
What is a Lip or Tongue-Tie?
A lip tie occurs when a band of tissue underneath the upper lip restricts movements from being too short or thick. A tongue tie occurs when the band of tissue underneath the tongue connects to the floor of the mouth. Not only can it give the tongue a heart-shaped appearance, but it can also limit your child’s oral functions.
Common Feeding Difficulties
Eating requires a variety of movements involving the lips and tongue. If those movements are restricted, it can affect a child’s ability to suck, chew, and swallow. As a result, your little one may not get the nutrients they need. Here are just a few ways it can affect their nutrition:
Breastfeeding
A baby with a tied lip or tongue struggles to maintain suction, which can lead to frustration and not getting enough milk when breastfeeding. You may hear a clicking noise as they try to latch, which may also cause you discomfort. It’s not uncommon for infants with the condition to have difficulty reaching oral motor milestones.
Transition to Solids
Eating solid foods doesn’t come as naturally as suckling. Your child must learn to use their tongues, lips, and cheeks to eat a variety of foods necessary for their wellness.
Tongue-tie can make it difficult to move food to the back of the mouth. Since many baby foods are liquid-like, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies because it will run out of their mouth instead of being swallowed.
Chewing Foods
Food must be moved to the back of the mouth to be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. Large pieces can lead to choking and are harder to digest. A child may avoid certain foods from a young age because they are too difficult to chew.
Treating Lip or Tongue-Tie
The sooner the issue is addressed, the better it is for your child. A frenectomy is a procedure used to snip the band of tissue holding a lip or tongue in place. Technological advancements make the procedure less invasive for a quick treatment and short recovery. Your bundle of joy will have correct oral functions to discover a variety of foods that support their health and development.
About Dr. Justin Chan
Dr. Chan earned his dental degree at the New York University College of Dentistry and focused his continuing education on pediatric care. He is a Diplomate in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and many other professional organizations. If your child has feeding issues from a lip or tongue tie, book an appointment online or call (469) 294-8217.