Lip and tongue-tie conditions, medically known as ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) and labial frenulum tie (lip-tie), are relatively common in infants and children. While these conditions might sound minor, they can significantly impact a child’s ability to eat, speak, and maintain oral health. At Kids World Pediatric in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Marielena Torres-Ricart often encounters concerned parents seeking advice on whether a lip or tongue-tie release procedure is necessary for their child.
Understanding Lip and Tongue-Tie Conditions
A tongue tie occurs when the tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, tight, or thick. This restricts the tongue’s movement, potentially leading to difficulties with breastfeeding, eating, and speaking.
Similarly, a lip-tie involves the tissue (labial frenulum) connecting the upper lip to the gum. When this tissue is overly tight or thick, it can prevent the upper lip from moving freely, which may interfere with proper breastfeeding or lead to gaps between the front teeth as the child grows.
Both conditions are congenital, meaning they are present at birth, and their severity can vary. While some children with mild lip or tongue-ties may not experience significant issues, others may require medical intervention.
Signs and Symptoms of Lip and Tongue-Tie
Identifying whether your child has a lip or tongue-tie can be challenging, especially if the symptoms are subtle. However, there are some common signs to watch for:
1. Difficulty Breastfeeding
One of the earliest signs of a lip or tongue tie is difficulty breastfeeding. Babies may have trouble latching onto the breast, causing pain for the mother and inadequate nutrition for the infant. This can lead to slow weight gain and frustration for both mother and baby.
2. Speech Development Delays
As children grow, tongue-ties can affect speech development. Children may struggle with certain sounds, such as “t,” “d,” “z,” “s,” and “r,” which require the tongue to move freely. If your child has difficulty articulating these sounds or shows signs of a speech delay, a tongue-tie could be the underlying cause.
3. Oral Health Issues
Lip-ties, in particular, can contribute to oral health problems as children grow. A tight upper lip frenulum can make it difficult to clean the front teeth properly, leading to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Additionally, lip-ties can cause a gap between the front teeth (diastema) that may require orthodontic treatment later on.
4. Difficulty Eating Solid Foods
For older children, a tongue-tie may make it challenging to eat certain foods, particularly those that require a lot of chewing or the ability to move food around in the mouth. If your child is a picky eater or has trouble managing food in their mouth, a tongue-tie might be the reason.
When Is a Lip or Tongue-Tie Release Necessary?
Not every child with a lip or tongue-tie will require a release procedure known as a frenectomy. The decision to proceed with treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the specific challenges your child is facing.
1. Breastfeeding Difficulties
For infants struggling with breastfeeding due to a lip or tongue-tie, a frenectomy can be life-changing. Releasing the tight frenulum allows the baby to latch onto the breast more effectively, improving nutrition and comfort for both mother and baby. If you suspect that a lip or tongue-tie affects your baby’s ability to breastfeed, consult with Dr. Marielena Torres-Ricart to determine if a release is necessary.
2. Speech Impairments
A frenectomy may be recommended if a tongue-tie affects your child’s speech development. Speech therapy can sometimes address minor articulation issues, but in more severe cases, releasing the tongue-tie can improve speech clarity. Dr. Torres-Ricart can assess whether a tongue-tie release will benefit your child’s speech development.
3. Oral Hygiene Challenges
When a lip-tie is causing oral hygiene problems, such as difficulty cleaning the teeth or contributing to gum disease, a frenectomy can help. By releasing the upper lip, your child can brush and floss more effectively, reducing the risk of cavities and gum issues. Early intervention can also prevent the need for more extensive dental treatment later on.
4. Eating Difficulties
For children who struggle with eating due to a tongue-tie, a frenectomy may improve their ability to manage food in their mouth and expand their diet. If your child is a picky eater or has difficulty with certain textures, consider discussing a possible tongue-tie release with Dr. Torres-Ricart.
What to Expect During a Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a relatively simple and quick procedure that can be performed in Dr. Marielena Torres-Ricart’s office at Kids World Pediatric in San Antonio, Texas. The procedure involves using a laser or surgical scissors to release the tight or thick frenulum, allowing for greater freedom of movement in the lip or tongue.
1. Preparation
Before the procedure, Dr. Torres-Ricart will conduct a thorough examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best approach. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, ensuring that your child remains comfortable throughout.
2. The Procedure
The frenectomy itself takes only a few minutes. Using precise techniques, Dr. Torres-Ricart will carefully release the frenulum. When performed with a laser, the procedure minimizes bleeding and reduces the risk of infection.
3. Recovery
Recovery from a frenectomy is typically quick, with most children experiencing only mild discomfort for a day or two. Dr. Torres-Ricart will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including exercises to help your child regain full lip or tongue movement.
Supporting Your Child’s Development and Health
Addressing lip and tongue-tie issues early can significantly improve your child’s development and overall well-being. Whether the concern concerns breastfeeding, speech, oral hygiene, or eating, timely intervention can prevent long-term problems and improve your child’s quality of life.
Dr. Marielena Torres-Ricart is dedicated to helping parents make informed decisions about their child’s oral health at Kids World Pediatric in San Antonio, Texas. By understanding the signs of lip and tongue-tie and knowing when a release procedure may be necessary, you can ensure your child receives the care they need to thrive.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Deciding to proceed with a lip or tongue-tie release can be daunting. Still, it’s important to remember that this procedure can significantly enhance your child’s ability to eat, speak, and maintain good oral health. By consulting with Dr. Marielena Torres-Ricart, you can better understand whether this treatment is right for your child and take the necessary steps to support their development.
Sources:
- Siegel, S. A. (2016). The Influence of Ankyloglossia on Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics.
- Lalakea, M. L., & Messner, A. H. (2003). Ankyloglossia: Does It Matter? Pediatric Clinics of North America.
- Kotlow, L. A. (2004). Oral Diagnosis of Abnormal Frenum Attachments in Neonates and Infants: Evaluation and Treatment of the Maxillary and Lingual Frenum Using the ErbiumLaser. Journal of Pediatric Dentistry.
