Have you heard about lip and tongue-ties in newborns? Not only can this condition limit your little one’s mouth movements, but it can even make it difficult for them to breastfeed, take a bottle, or rest. While looking into this issue, you might run into some myths circulating out there about it. Keep reading to learn some of the common, misleading ideas about lip and tongue-ties and what you should know about them instead.
Myth #1: Tongue-Ties Can Fix Themselves After a While
Although your little one will outgrow certain things as they get older, it doesn’t mean the same thing will happen if they have a tongue-tie. This band of tissue can stay with them even with age and growth, and it can lead to oral health issues if left untreated. To help your baby enjoy a healthy smile, you’ll need to get their lip or tongue-tie addressed sooner rather than later.
Myth #2: Tongue-Ties Aren’t Too Bad
Even if a tongue-tie may seem like a simple thing, it can create certain problems later down the road. This may include your baby having difficulty latching properly, hindering their ability to receive essential milk, and increasing the risk of poor weight gain. In many instances, babies with tongue-ties have a higher chance of developing colic, gassiness, and painful reflux compared to babies without them. This issue can also cause certain problems in adulthood, such as difficulty in speech, jaw and neck pain, sleep apnea, and more.
Myth #3: Tongue-Ties Can Be Stretched Out
Your child’s frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of their mouth) may appear soft and flexible, but this isn’t the case. The collagen webbing won’t stretch as far as it needs to for your little one to have proper oral movements. In fact, moving their tongue too much or pulling on it can result in discomfort.
Myth #4: Cutting a Tongue-Tie Is the Best Option
If removing a tongue-tie helps your child have greater oral health, you might assume snipping the frenulum is all it takes. However, simply cutting the tissue with surgical tools might lead to some discomfort or bleeding, or the band can end up reattaching or growing back later on. Instead, your baby’s dentist will likely use a soft tissue laser to remove the frenulum more effectively, and there won’t be a lengthy recovery involved afterward!
Don’t let these common myths lead you astray when addressing your little one’s situation. With the truth in hand, you’ll be better able to understand what your child needs and the kind of treatment to consider for improving their oral health.
About the Practice
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen, our team strives to provide comprehensive, personalized, and comfortable care for your little one’s smile. We offer a wide range of services, including lip and tongue-tie treatment to help your child enjoy proper movement for greater oral health. If you want to know more about this service or wish to schedule a consultation, visit our website or give us a call at 469-663-0098.