The Cost of Not Treating Pediatric Tongue-Ties

Categories: Tongue Tie

untreated tongue tieSanta Cruz, Scotts Valley CA

The period just after giving birth to a new baby can be challenging. All babies cry, and because, as parents, we want to ensure their health and well-being in every possible way, it’s frustrating when we can’t figure out what’s wrong or when nothing we’re trying is working to soothe our newborn baby. It’s a helpless feeling, which is only intensified by what is usually a drastic reduction in sleep. Sometimes, a baby’s excessive crying does point to an underlying health issue, but it’s oftentimes one that can be quickly and easily treated. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health and developmental issues. Follow along as our Santa Cruz pediatric dentist who specializes in tongue-ties explains what tethered oral tissue is and the developmental problems it can lead to in your child if ignored.

What is a tongue-tie?

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum (the small band of tissue that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too short, thick or tight, restricting the mobility of the tongue. This can lead to:

  1. Digestive issues

  • Breastfeeding — Studies suggest that 10 percent of all babies are born with a tongue-tie or lip-tie. These babies often struggle to latch onto the breast properly, leading to ineffective feeding and inadequate nutrition. Mothers who are breastfeeding may also show symptoms of their baby’s tongue-tie because poor latching can cause nipple pain and damage, potentially leading to mastitis or reduced milk supply. This makes breastfeeding a painful and stressful experience, and many mothers will stop trying without realizing that there’s a treatable condition leading to the inability to nurse.
  • Solid foods — As children with tongue ties grow, it becomes difficult for them to chew and swallow solid foods. This often leads to picky eaters with nutritional deficiencies.
  • Gastrointestinal issues — Inadequate chewing can cause digestive problems because food is not being properly broken down before swallowing. This can lead to issues such as constipation and acid reflux in children.
  1. Speech development issues

Restricted tongue movement because of tethered oral tissue can prevent a child from being about to form certain sounds, such as the s and z sounds, leading to speech delays and articulation issues. These speech difficulties can affect a child’s confidence and social interactions, potentially leading to social anxiety and academic challenges.

  1. Oral hygiene issues

Limited tongue mobility can hinder a child’s ability to clear food debris from their teeth, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Tongue ties can also contribute to dental misalignment and the need for braces or other orthodontic treatments later in life.

How is tongue-tie treated?

The good news is that most health issues related to tongue-ties can be mitigated with a quick and simple procedure called a frenectomy. It’s also referred to as a tongue-tie release and restores the tongue’s full range of motion, improving feeding, speech and overall health and well-being. Depending on the child’s age, our Scotts Valley tongue-tie dentist may recommend myofunctional therapy, which helps retrain the muscles in the mouth after a tongue-tie release.

FRENECTOMY TO RELEASE TONGUE-TIES IN SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ, AND LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA

If you suspect that your child may have tethered oral tissue, don’t hesitate to give Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry a call at (831) 824-5111, or reach out to us online today. We are committed to providing comprehensive care for your child’s oral health.