What Are the Causes, Treatment, and Long-Term Benefits of Tongue-Tie
As parents, ensuring your baby’s health and well-being is a top priority, and feeding is one of the first challenges you may face. If your infant struggles with breastfeeding, has difficulty latching, or experiences slow weight gain, tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) may be the culprit. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers effective treatment options to correct tongue-tie and improve feeding, speech, and overall oral development.
At Hansen Dentistry in Apex, NC, we provide professional and compassionate care for infants experiencing tongue-tie. Let’s explore the issue, the available solutions, and the long-term benefits of treatment.
What Is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie is a condition where the band of tissue (lingual frenulum) that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight or short, restricting tongue movement. This condition can impact an infant’s ability to breastfeed, swallow, and even affect speech development as they grow.
Signs Your Baby May Have Tongue-Tie:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Frequent, prolonged, or painful nursing sessions
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Inadequate weight gain despite regular feeding
- Frustration or fussiness during feeding
- Reflux or excessive gas from swallowing air
- Difficulty sticking out the tongue past the lower lip
If you notice these signs, it’s important to consult a pediatric dentist or lactation consultant for an evaluation.
How Is Tongue-Tie Corrected?
The most effective solution for tongue-tie is a frenectomy, a simple, quick, and minimally invasive procedure that releases the tight tissue restricting tongue movement.
At Hansen Dentistry, we use laser frenectomy, an advanced and gentle technique that offers several benefits over traditional surgical methods.
Why Choose a Laser Frenectomy?
- Minimally Invasive – No need for scalpels or stitches.
- Quick Healing – The laser cauterizes as it works, reducing bleeding and swelling.
- Less Discomfort – Babies experience minimal discomfort and often resume feeding immediately.
- Reduced Risk of Infection – The laser sterilizes the area, lowering infection risk.
- Precise and Effective – Targets only the affected tissue without harming surrounding areas.
The procedure typically takes just a few minutes, and parents can hold and soothe their baby immediately afterward. Most infants show immediate improvement in their ability to latch and feed comfortably.
Long-Term Benefits of Treating Tongue-Tie
Correcting tongue-tie early can have lasting advantages beyond infancy. Here’s how a frenectomy benefits your child’s health and development:
1. Improved Breastfeeding and Nutrition
Breastfeeding success significantly increases when tongue mobility is restored, ensuring better milk transfer, improved weight gain, and reduced stress for both baby and mother.
2. Speech Development
Tongue mobility plays a crucial role in speech formation. Children with untreated tongue-tie may develop speech difficulties, such as trouble pronouncing certain sounds. Early intervention supports proper speech development.
3. Better Oral Hygiene
A restricted tongue can make it difficult to clean the teeth and gums, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Treatment helps improve oral function, making dental hygiene easier as your child grows.
4. Proper Jaw and Dental Development
A restricted tongue may contribute to improper jaw development, leading to issues like an overbite, crowded teeth, or airway problems. A frenectomy helps support natural oral growth.
5. Prevention of Future Complications
If left untreated, tongue-tie can lead to issues in adulthood, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, sleep apnea, and chronic neck or jaw tension. Treating it early prevents these potential concerns.
Is Your Baby a Candidate for a Frenectomy?
If you suspect your infant has tongue-tie, it’s best to have them evaluated by a qualified dentist or pediatric specialist. At Hansen Dentistry in Apex, NC, Dr. Rylan Hansen and our experienced team provide thorough evaluations and gentle laser frenectomies to improve your baby’s oral function and overall well-being.
Schedule a Consultation Today to Speak with Our Apex NC Dentist Who Specializes in Tongue-Tie Procedures
Early intervention can make all the difference in your baby’s feeding, speech, and oral health. If you’re concerned about tongue-tie, contact Hansen Dentistry for a consultation. Our friendly team is here to help you and your baby achieve a healthier, happier start.
