Lip and Tongue Tie – McKinney, TX
Compassionate Care for Children
Has your child recently been diagnosed with a lip or tongue tie? There is no need to worry. More children are born with the condition than you might think. In fact, as much as 11% of newborns have the defect. Although it can occur in anyone, it appears more often in boys, and it also tends to run in families. It is best to have it corrected as early as possible to prevent lasting complications. At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, we treat lip and tongue tie in McKinney using the compassionate care your child deserves.
3 Reasons to Choose Sprout Dentistry for Kids
- Board-certified expertise in many dental specialties.
- Customized treatment plans catering to children.
- Committed to creating healthy, happy smiles.
What is Lip/Tongue Tie?
There is a small bit of tissue underneath your tongue and lip called the frenulum. When the tissue is too short or thick, it can restrict the movement of the tongue or lip. This can make it difficult for babies to eat, which can harm their growth and nutrition. If the issue is not corrected, it can continue to affect them as they age, impacting their quality of life and development, such as speech delays and dental problems.
Learn More About What is a Lip and Tongue Tie
What are the Signs of a Lip/Tongue Tie?
Many children are diagnosed with lip or tongue tie shortly after birth. There are several signs your child may have the abnormality, such as:
- Poor latch when nursing.
- Slides off nipple or falls asleep when trying to latch.
- Colic or reflux symptoms.
- Poor weight gain.
- Gumming or chewing on the nipple while nursing.
- Unable to hold a pacifier in the mouth.
- Unable to use a bottle.
- Difficulty lifting or sticking the tongue out.
- Tongue has a heart-shaped appearance.
Besides your child, you may experience signs of lip/tongue tie as well, including:
- Sore or cracked nipples.
- Low milk supply.
- Inflammation of the breasts.
Learn More About Common Symptoms of Lip and Tongue Tie
How is Lip/Tongue Tie Treated?
A frenectomy is used to correct lip or tongue tie. It is recommended your child has the simple procedure before the age of 12 months to prevent the need for anesthesia or sedation; however, it can be performed when they are older as well.
The entire treatment generally takes less than one minute to complete. A topical anesthetic is used as a soft tissue laser precisely cuts the tissue to free the movement of the lip or tongue. The laser cauterizes while it cuts to prevent bleeding. It also sterilizes the tissue, reducing the risk of infection.
You will see a white diamond-shaped patch appear when the tissue was cut about 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. It is important to allow your child to move their tongue or lip to prevent the tissue from reattaching. Within 1 or 2 weeks, the tissue will be fully healed.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If your child has lip/tongue tie, there is no need to worry. Your trusted pediatric dental team can safely and effectively perform a frenectomy in McKinney to give your child a healthy, functional smile. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a tongue-tie form?
A tongue-tie develops while a baby is still in utero. In many cases, the banded tissue, also known as the frenum, poses no issues once a child is born; however, in other situations, it remains tight and restricted. When this happens, it prevents a baby from being able to move their tongue very far, limiting their ability to latch while nursing or taking a bottle.
How common are tongue-ties?
There has been an ebb and flow when it comes to diagnosing tongue-ties over the years. They are far more common than you might realize; however, many remain undiagnosed. It is believed that an American study estimated that out of 1,000 cases, between 4 and 22 individuals had a tongue-tie. Another randomized study in 2002 found that of the 1,866 births, around 10% of babies had a tongue-tie.
Does it hurt to treat a tongue-tie?
Treating a tongue-tie with a frenectomy in McKinney is unlikely to cause any pain. The reason is that it is performed with a soft tissue laser, making the process virtually painless. The concentrated beam of light is so quick and precise that patients hardly feel anything when releasing the tie. Because it cauterizes the area at the same time, there is minimal bleeding or swelling, so your child will recover much faster at home.
When can I start nursing my baby after a frenectomy?
Generally, you can begin breastfeeding your baby immediately after our doctors at Sprout Dentistry for Kids are finished with the frenectomy procedure. The nutrients your little one will receive while nursing are beneficial for their healing, and the comfort provided during this time will help them calm down more easily. It is possible that their ability to latch will immediately improve; however, it can take time for other babies to adjust. If you notice that your baby is still struggling to nurse, do not try to rush the process. Instead, be patient, as they might need more time. Do not worry, though, as they will likely begin nursing just fine after a few feedings.