Tongue tie, scientifically known as ankyloglossia, is an oral condition that occurs when a strand of skin beneath the tongue (called the lingual frenulum) is smaller than expected. This can make it harder for the tongue to move around, potentially affecting oral functions such as speech, feeding, and oral hygiene. Luckily, our pediatric dental clinic can help (read more about our pediatric dental services here!).
Do you suspect your little one is living with tongue tie? If so, it’s best to visit a pediatric dental clinic in Mission, BC, as soon as possible to get early intervention. So, don’t delay – contact Dr. Amol Shergill at Wren Steet Dental by dialing (604) 820-8702 now!
As parents, it’s crucial to understand what tongue tie is and how to address it for the overall well-being of your child. So, in today’s blog, our pediatric dental clinic details the condition and tells you what to do about it.
Identification of Tongue Tie
Identifying tongue tie in your child involves observing certain signs and symptoms. Common indicators include:
Difficulty Breastfeeding
Infants with tongue tie may not be able to thrust their tongues far enough forward to form a perfect latch on breast tissue. This can lead to challenges in breastfeeding for both the baby and mother.
Speech Difficulties
As a child grows, tongue tie can contribute to speech impediments. This can make it much harder to form certain sounds, particularly sounds that require tongue movement, such as “l,” “r,” “t,” and “d.”
Oral Hygiene Challenges
Limited tongue movement may make it challenging for children to maintain proper oral hygiene. Without proper oral hygiene, kids may be more prone to cavities and gum problems.
Difficulty Eating Solid Foods
When transitioning to solid foods, children with tongue tie may struggle with certain textures and foods. This can lead to avoidant eating and malnutrition.
Consultation with a Healthcare Professional
If you suspect your child has tongue tie, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, typically a pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can assess the severity of the condition and its impact on your child’s development.
Not sure where to start? Our pediatric dental clinic can help you get the care and resources you need!
Treatment Options
The decision to address tongue tie depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on the child’s daily life. There are several treatment options available:
Frenotomy (Clipping the Frenulum)
This is a common and relatively simple procedure where a healthcare provider clips the lingual frenulum to release the tongue tie. It is a quick outpatient procedure that is generally well-tolerated by infants and older children.
Myofunctional Therapy
This involves exercises and techniques to improve the function of the tongue and surrounding muscles. A pediatrician or pediatric dental clinic may recommend myofunctional therapy before or after a frenotomy to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
Speech Therapy
Children with speech difficulties due to tongue tie may benefit from speech therapy. A speech therapist can work with your child to improve articulation and language skills.
Visit Our Pediatric Dental Clinic in Mission, BC, Today
Tongue tie is a common condition that affects up to 10% of the population. The key to treating the condition is early detection, consultation with healthcare professionals, and timely intervention. Every child is unique, and the treatment plan should be tailored to their specific needs.
Want to see how our pediatric dental clinic can help? Contact Wren Street Dental online or at (604) 820-8702 for more information and scheduling.
