As a parent, you naturally want the best for your child’s health, and when it comes to their oral development, one issue that can arise early on is a tongue tie. This condition can affect breastfeeding, speech development, and even dental health.

Understanding what a tongue tie is, how it impacts your child, and what treatment options are available can help you make informed decisions. In this blog, we’ll explore tongue ties, how they are diagnosed, and the most effective treatment options, including the use of lasers in pediatric dentistry.

What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum (the small band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too short or tight. This restricts the movement of the tongue, which can interfere with normal oral functions like breastfeeding, swallowing, and speech.

In infants, tongue ties can cause difficulty latching during breastfeeding, leading to feeding challenges for both the baby and the mother. As children grow, untreated tongue ties can impact speech clarity, dental development, and even lead to issues such as misaligned teeth or gaps between the front teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of a Tongue Tie

Recognizing the signs of a tongue tie is crucial for early intervention. In infants, symptoms may include:

• Difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding
• Gumming or chewing on the nipple while feeding
• Poor weight gain
• Colic-like symptoms or excessive fussiness during feedings

For older children, the symptoms may evolve into:

• Speech delays or difficulty articulating certain sounds (such as “t,” “d,” “z,” or “l”)
• Inability to stick out the tongue past the teeth
• Trouble eating certain foods that require more tongue mobility, such as ice cream or peanut butter
• Gap between the front teeth or dental issues related to tongue positioning

If you notice any of these signs, a visit to your pediatric dentist or a healthcare provider can help diagnose the issue.

How is a Tongue Tie Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a tongue tie typically begins with a thorough examination of the mouth and tongue by a healthcare professional, such as a pediatric dentist or pediatrician. During this assessment, the practitioner will look at the physical characteristics of the tongue and frenulum and evaluate how much the tongue can move.

There are a few key factors that are considered during diagnosis:

• Tongue Mobility: The dentist will ask your child to lift their tongue, stick it out, and move it side to side. Limited movement, especially if the tongue cannot extend beyond the lower front teeth, may indicate a tongue tie.
• Appearance of the Frenulum: A short or thick frenulum that restricts the tongue’s movement is a common sign. In severe cases, the frenulum may appear as a tight band of tissue just beneath the tongue.
• Functional Impact: The dentist will also consider how the tongue tie is affecting your child’s ability to feed, speak, and perform other oral functions. For infants, this includes evaluating breastfeeding issues, while for older children, it may include assessing speech clarity and eating difficulties.

At Kids Dental Group, we also take a holistic approach, considering the overall impact the tongue tie is having on your child’s daily life. In some cases, we may refer your child to a speech therapist or lactation consultant for further assessment, especially if speech or feeding challenges are prominent. This comprehensive evaluation helps us determine whether treatment is necessary and what approach will best support your child’s oral development.

Can You Leave a Tongue Tie Untreated?

While not all cases of tongue tie require intervention, leaving a moderate to severe tongue tie untreated can lead to long-term complications. In some mild cases, the tongue tie may not interfere significantly with oral functions and may not require treatment. However, in many cases, untreated tongue ties can have lasting consequences as your child grows.

Some potential issues include:

• Breastfeeding Difficulties: Infants with untreated tongue ties may continue to struggle with breastfeeding, which can lead to insufficient weight gain or weaning earlier than planned.
• Speech Development Issues: Children with restricted tongue movement may experience delays in speech development or have difficulty articulating certain sounds. This could require future speech therapy to correct.
• Dental Problems: As your child’s teeth come in, an untreated tongue tie can affect the position of the teeth, leading to gaps or misalignment. In some cases, the tongue tie can even contribute to a higher risk of tooth decay because it can restrict the tongue’s ability to clean food particles from the teeth.
• Eating and Swallowing Difficulties: Some children with untreated tongue ties have difficulty eating foods that require significant tongue movement, such as ice cream, peanut butter, or certain meats. Swallowing may also be challenging, potentially leading to picky eating or slow mealtimes.

If you’re unsure whether your child’s tongue tie needs to be treated, consulting with a pediatric dentist or healthcare professional can provide clarity. Early treatment can often prevent these issues and help ensure your child’s oral development stays on track.

Treatment Options: Why We Use Laser for Tongue Tie Release

When a tongue tie is diagnosed and causing problems, the most common treatment is a frenectomy, which involves releasing the frenulum to allow more freedom of movement for the tongue. In the past, this procedure was typically done using scissors, but modern pediatric dentistry offers a more advanced option: laser frenectomy.

Using a laser to treat a tongue tie is a safe, precise, and minimally invasive method. At Kids Dental Group, we prefer laser treatment because of the following benefits:

• Precision and Control: The laser allows for targeted cutting of the frenulum without affecting surrounding tissues.
• Minimal Bleeding and Pain: Lasers cauterize as they cut, reducing the amount of bleeding and making the procedure more comfortable for the child.
• Faster Healing Time: Children recover more quickly from laser frenectomy compared to traditional methods. The risk of infection is lower, and most children can resume normal feeding or speaking shortly after the procedure.
• Less Need for Anesthesia: In many cases, laser treatment requires only local anesthesia or none at all, reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia.

The procedure itself is quick and, thanks to the precision of the laser, most children experience minimal discomfort during and after the treatment.

Read about Laser Dentistry at Kids Dental Group

Post-Procedure Care and What to Expect

After a laser frenectomy, it’s essential to follow proper aftercare to ensure optimal healing. Your pediatric dentist will provide specific instructions, but common recommendations include gentle tongue exercises to prevent reattachment, pain management with over-the-counter medications if needed, and monitoring feeding or speech improvements.

For infants, many mothers notice an immediate improvement in breastfeeding once the tongue tie is released, while older children often show progress in speech and eating habits within a few weeks.

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step for Your Child’s Oral Health

A tongue tie can be a challenging condition for both parents and children, but with early diagnosis and effective treatment like laser frenectomy, your child can experience significant improvements in feeding, speech, and overall oral health. If you suspect your child may have a tongue tie, or if you’ve noticed any signs that concern you, we encourage you to reach out to our team.

At Kids Dental Group, we specialize in providing compassionate, expert care for children’s oral health needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help your child achieve the best possible start in life with a healthy, happy smile.