Ensuring the best start in life for your little ones includes addressing and managing oral health issues such as tongue-tie. At Lake Forest Smiles, we release tongue-ties for infants, children, and adults in conjunction with myofunctional therapy. Our goal is to become your trusted partner in safeguarding your and your child’s oral health and overall well-being.
What is a Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the frenulum, the small band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is usually short, thick, or tight. This restricts the tongue’s movement, making it difficult to perform normal functions such as sucking, swallowing, speaking, or even maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Specialized Care for the Youngest Patients
This condition can significantly impact a child’s eating, speaking, and breathing. Recognizing this early in life, especially in newborns, is critical for preventing complications in feeding, speech development, and oral health development.
Our team, led by Dr. Schmidt, is dedicated to providing gentle, effective treatments for tongue-ties. We utilize the latest dental laser technology for frenectomies, a quick and minimally invasive procedure that releases the tight tissue and allows for normal tongue movement. This laser technique is especially suited for infants and young children, offering a virtually pain-free experience with minimal discomfort during the procedure and rapid healing.
Types of Tongue-Tie
There are varying degrees of tongue-tie, from mild to severe. The condition can be classified into four levels based on the extent of the restriction:
- Grade 1: Mild restriction with a slightly shortened frenulum.
- Grade 2: Moderate restriction with more noticeable difficulty in tongue movement.
- Grade 3: Severe restriction that significantly limits tongue mobility.
- Grade 4: Complete attachment of the frenulum, where the tongue is virtually immobile.
Signs and Symptoms of Tongue-Tie
The symptoms of tongue-tie can differ based on age and the severity of the condition. Some common signs include:
In Infants and Babies:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding.
- Poor weight gain or slow feeding.
- Gumming or sucking problems
- Painful or uncomfortable breastfeeding for the mother due to poor latch.
In Children:
- Trouble pronouncing certain words or sounds
- Difficulty with oral hygiene (brushing teeth) or eating certain foods
In Adults:
- Difficulty with speech or articulation.
- Limited range of motion with the tongue (e.g., unable to like the lips or touch the roof of the mouth).
- Jaw or neck pain due to compensatory movements
How is Tongue-Tie Diagnosed?
Diagnosing tongue-tie is a simple process typically performed by a pediatrician, dentist or speech therapist. At Lake Forest Smiles, we will examine the frenulum and assess how much movement the tongue has. In infants, the condition is usually easy to identify, especially if there are feeding difficulties. For older children and adults, a speech assessment or evaluation of oral habits may help in diagnosing tongue-tie.
In some cases, a more thorough evaluation may be necessary, especially if the tongue-tie is affecting speech or feeding.
Treatment Options for Tongue-Tie
If left untreated, tongue-tie can lead to complications with speech, oral health, and feeding. The good news is that treatment is available and highly effective. Treatment options include:
This is a simple, minor surgical procedure that involves snipping the frenulum to release the tongue. At Lake Forest Smiles, we use the latest dental technology—a laser to “cut” the frenulum—which provides a painless and quick procedure.
A more advanced procedure, frenuloplasty may be recommended for more severe cases. It involves reshaping or extending the frenulum using stitches and may be performed under local or even general anesthesia.
If tongue-tie has affected speech, speech therapy can help train proper tongue movements to improve articulation and pronunciation.
For infants with tongue-tie, consulting with a lactation consultant can help improve breastfeeding techniques and ensure that the baby is feeding properly.
Why Early Intervention of Tongue-Tie Matters
Early intervention for tongue-tie is crucial, which is why we love to help babies and children with tongue-tie. Addressing tongue-tie early can:
- Prevent feeding issues
- Help with speech development
- Reduce the risk of future dental problems
If you’re concerned about tongue-tie in your child, seeking an early diagnosis and treatment plan can help avoid complications later on.
In adults, addressing the condition can alleviate discomfort, improve speech, and enhance overall oral function. Whether you’ve lived with tongue-tie for years or have recently noticed issues, it’s never too late to seek treatment.
Why Choose Lake Forest Smiles for Tongue-Tie Treatment?
Expertise in Pediatric Care:
Our focus on newborns and children ensures that every aspect of our care is tailored to the unique needs of the youngest patients.
State-of-the-Art Technology:
The use of dental lasers for frenectomies minimizes pain, reduces recovery time, and lowers the risk of complications.
Comprehensive Support:
Beyond the initial treatment, we provide guidance on exercises and practices to support optimal oral development and prevent future issues.
The Impact of Untreated Tongue-Ties
Without timely intervention, tongue-ties can lead to a range of challenges, from immediate feeding difficulties to long-term speech and dental problems. Early treatment not only facilitates better breastfeeding but also supports proper speech development and reduces the risk of dental and orthodontic issues later in life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue-Ties
Here are some of the most common questions we get about tongue-tie and its treatment. If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office!
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the frenulum (the band of tissue under the tongue) is too short or tight, limiting tongue’s movement. This can affect an infant’s ability to breastfeed properly, a child’s speech development, and even an adult’s oral health.
Common signs of tongue-tie in infants include:
- Difficulty latching onto the breast during breastfeeding.
- Painful breastfeeding for the mother.
- Slow or poor weight gain in the baby.
- Gumming or sucking problems.
- Clicking sounds during feeding.
If you notice these signs, consult your pediatrician or lactation consultant to assess your baby’s condition.
Yes, tongue-tie can impact speech, particularly in children. It can make it difficult for them to pronounce certain sounds such as “t”, “d”, “l”, and “s”. If you suspect your child is having trouble with speech, a consultation with a dentist or speech therapist can help determine if tongue-tie is the cause.
Tongue-tie is relatively common, occurring in approximately 4-11% of newborns. It is more frequently diagnosed in boys than girls, and the severity of the condition varies greatly from person to person.
Not every case of a tongue-tie requires treatment. Mild cases may not cause any noticeable issues and may not need intervention. However, if tongue-tie is affecting feeding, speech or oral health, treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
The procedure to treat tongue-tie, such as frenotomy is generally quick and well-tolerated. For infants, it is usually done with minimal discomfort, and recovery is often very fast. For older children and adults, the procedure may involve a local anesthetic to ensure comfort, and the healing process is typically quick.
Laser frenotomies and frenectomies heal quicker and cause less pain. Our office’s dental lasers are hot enough to instantly release the tissue at the bottom of the frenulum. If we use a dental tool, it does not instantly cauterize the wound and can be more painful.
For infants, recovery from the frenotomy is usually very quick, often within a few days. They may be able to resume breastfeeding almost immediately. Older children or adults who undergo frenuloplasty may experience mild discomfort for a few days but are generally healthy within a week or two.
Yes, tongue-tie can cause issues with oral health, such as difficulty cleaning teeth properly, which can lead to plaque buildup and cavities. It may also affect the way food is chewed and swallowed. Treating the condition can help improve overall oral hygiene and prevent these issues.
If your child is not having trouble with speech or eating, you may choose to monitor the condition and seek treatment later if problems arise. However, if you notice any signs of difficulty, such as speech delays or challenges with oral hygiene, it’s worth considering treatment.
In most cases, the frenulum does not reattach after treatment, especially when a frenuloplasty is performed. However, it’s important to follow post-procedure care instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent any reattachment.
If you have any more questions about tongue-tie or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact our office; We are here to help you achieve better oral health and function for you and your family!
Your Go-To Practice for Early Oral Health
Dr. Schmidt and the Lake Forest Smiles team are committed to being your first choice for the treatment of tongue-ties in newborns and young children. Recognizing the importance of a healthy start, we’re here to support your child’s journey towards a lifetime of smiles.
Contact Lake Forest Smiles for Tongue-Tie Treatments Today
If you’re concerned about a tongue-tie affecting your child’s health and development, don’t wait. Contact us today to learn how we can help or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schmidt. Together, we can ensure your child achieves their full potential, starting from the earliest days.