In-person
Kids Consultation
No matter how many parenting books you read, there will always be aspects of parenthood that leave you puzzled. One such challenge could be when your child faces difficulties with latching during breastfeeding, possibly due to a lip or tongue tie. Recently, the treatment for these issues has seen a significant increase, leading many parents to question whether the condition is now more common than before. Continue reading to find out if lip and tongue ties are indeed more prevalent as well as what steps to take if your child has one.
What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?
A tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition that occurs at birth, restricting the tongue’s range of motion. Similarly, a lip tie is when the skin of the upper lip connects tightly to the gums, limiting lip movement. Both the tongue and lip are connected by a short, thick, or tight band of tissue called a lingual frenulum.
This condition can hinder breastfeeding and make it challenging for a child to stick out their tongue, eat, speak, and swallow comfortably. While some children’s tongue or lip ties may resolve on their own, that is not always the case. The issue often becomes apparent when a child experiences difficulty latching on during breastfeeding or struggles to articulate certain words clearly.
Why Are We Seeing More Tongue and Lip Ties Recently?
The prevalence of tongue and lip ties has not significantly increased, but the number of treatments for these conditions has risen. One contributing factor is the historical promotion of bottle-feeding as the preferred option, leading many mothers to wean their babies off breastfeeding early.
As breastfeeding regained popularity, parents started noticing latching difficulties. Moreover, advancements in medical technology have vastly improved treatment options. These state-of-the-art techniques now offer safer and more comfortable treatments than ever before.
Who Should You Talk to About Tongue or Lip Ties Treatments?
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, indicating a possible tongue or lip tie in your child, reach out to their pediatric dentist for guidance on treatment. During the appointment, the dentist will discuss your concerns and examine your child’s mouth.
Based on their assessment, they will recommend the most appropriate course of action and provide a comprehensive explanation of the available options. This will ensure that you have all the necessary information to make the best decision for your little one.
While children can lead healthy lives with a tongue or lip tie, it’s essential to contact their dentist for the necessary treatment. This will enable them to breastfeed, eat, and speak comfortably, improving their overall well-being.
About the Practice
At Chicago Tongue-Tie Center, young patients receive exceptional oral health services, empowering them to care for their smiles from an early age. Specializing in the oral health of children, the center collaborates with parents to ensure beautiful and healthy teeth. If your child has a tongue or lip tie, their skilled Auburn team can provide effective solutions to improve their eating and speaking comfort. For more information or to set up an appointment with Chicago Tongue-Tie Center, call their office at (312) 248-2455 or visit their website.