5 Signs Your Baby Has a Lip or Tongue Tie
Lip and tongue ties can interfere with your child’s feeding, speech, and development, and we at Dentistry for Children are here to help. We take pride in offering laser frenectomies, a gentle alternative to surgical lip or tongue tie releases. The quick and virtually pain-free procedure improves the lip or tongue range of motion, providing long-lasting relief and enhancing your child’s oral function and overall well-being.
What Is a Lip or Tongue Tie?
Inside your baby’s mouth are bands of tissue called frenula that connect the upper lip or tongue to the mouth, stabilizing them. A lip tie occurs when the labial frenulum, the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums, is either too thick, too short, or attaches to the roof of the mouth. Lip ties can restrict the movement of the upper lip, interfering with your little one’s breathing and the ability to latch correctly during breastfeeding.
A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is essentially the same. It occurs when the lingual frenulum, the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is unusually thick or short, impacting the tongue’s range of motion. Tongue ties can affect how your little one speaks, eats, and swallows, leading to difficulties in various aspects of development and daily activities.
Five Signs Your Baby Has a Lip or Tongue Tie
Here are five signs your baby may have a lip or tongue tie:
#1 Your Baby Has Difficulty Latching During Breastfeeding
During breastfeeding, a baby latches to the breast, which should be a comfortable, pain-free experience for you and your little one. However, a lip or tongue tie can restrict the full range of motion in the lips or tongue, leading to difficulties with latching.
Creating and maintaining the necessary suction for breastfeeding can become a challenge, and you may hear clicking sounds as your little one struggles. While some babies find it easier to latch onto bottles, others may continue facing feeding difficulties, whether breastfeeding or being fed from a bottle.
#2 You Have Painful Breastfeeding Sessions
Breastfeeding should be a comfortable experience, and while it may feel unusual at first, it should not be overly painful. If you find breastfeeding painful, it could be due to your baby’s failure to latch on properly. Your baby may exert excessive force or gum or chew on your nipple in an attempt to draw more milk, often leaving you wincing with pain.
In addition to the pain and discomfort during feeding, lip and tongue ties can lead to sore or damaged nipples, resulting in lingering pain even after nursing your baby. Moreover, ineffective feeding due to lip or tongue ties can cause complications such as breast engorgement, blocked ducts, and mastitis.
#3 Your Baby Is Fussy or Frustrated During Feeding Time
Infants with lip or tongue ties may become fussy during feedings. Their inability to effectively get their fill of milk can leave them hungry and frustrated, making nursing a difficult or even unhappy experience. Some babies may give up on feeding altogether until the next session, which, once again, can turn into a battle.
The combination of hunger, fussiness, and excessive air intake during unsuccessful feeding sessions can leave your little one battling colic. Baby colics can be exhausting and distressing for you and your baby, adding to the challenges posed by lip or tongue ties.
#4 Your Baby Is Exhausted During Feedings
Nursing your baby is usually a relaxing experience, leaving your little one content and ready to sleep. However, babies with lip or tongue ties may become fatigued during feedings, which can be mistaken for sleepiness. Lip or tongue ties can interfere with breathing, leaving your child tired and overwhelmed.
If your little one seems to be struggling with feeding and appearing fatigued, a lip or tongue tie may be the underlying issue. It is important to consult your pediatrician or pediatric dentist to address and resolve these concerns, ensuring your little one’s feeding and health get back on track.
#5 Your Baby Is Not Gaining Adequate Weight
A lip or tongue tie may affect your baby’s ability to feed, but your little one continues to have the same appetite and calorie needs as any other child. Trouble latching or producing adequate suction can leave your baby without the needed nutrition to grow and thrive. That may result in your baby needing near-constant feedings, especially at night.
A tell-tale sign of lip or tongue ties is inadequate weight gain due to insufficient milk intake. If your little one is struggling to gain weight, it is essential to visit your pediatrician or pediatric dentist. Releasing a lip or tongue tie may be all it takes to help your child achieve normal weight gain and growth.
How Are Lip or Tongue Ties Released?
At Dentistry for Children, we offer laser frenectomies, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical lip or tongue tie releases. The procedure using our cutting-edge LightScalpel CO2 soft tissue laser is incredibly fast, often taking less than 10 seconds to complete!
Unlike traditional surgical frenectomies, our gentle lip or tongue tie releases are typically performed without the need for local anesthetics or stitches. The procedure is comfortable and virtually pain-free, requiring minimal to no recovery time.
After treatment, your baby should experience little to no bleeding, and the risk of infection or complications is significantly lower than traditional surgical lip or tongue tie releases. Our laser technology for frenectomies enhances the healing process and ensures better treatment outcomes. Your baby should be able to resume nursing right away, providing a smoother and more positive overall experience!
Laser Lip or Tongue Tie Releases Near Me in Highland, IN
If your baby shows signs of a lip or tongue tie, contact Dentistry for Children to schedule a consultation. Dr. Halum and his team will evaluate your little one’s needs and recommend the ideal treatment options for lasting relief. If your child requires a lip or tongue tie release, our cutting-edge laser dentistry options will ensure the procedure is gentle and free of stress. We invite you to call our office at 219-924-5437 to schedule an appointment or use our online form to request one today!