Do you have, or know someone who has, an infant with a lip or tongue tie?
If you do nothing else today, READ THIS!
The phrase “tongue tied” is commonly used as a slang reference to someone stumbling over their words. However, tongue and lip ties (medically known as Ankyloglossia) can lead to serious complications in infants, adolescents and even into adulthood if left untreated.
So, What Really is a Tongue Tie?
Tongue ties are caused when the lingual frenulum (the membrane which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is thick, short, or otherwise malformed, restricting the tongue from moving correctly.
And What is a Lip Tie?
Similarly, a lip tie is when the frenulum band of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gum is thick, short or inelastic, restricting the lip from moving.
Oftentimes, this minor detail goes unnoticed and unaddressed in infants. But if you’re a mom struggling to nurse a new infant, you may already be feeling the painful side effects of a lip or tongue tie.
This condition may cause unsuccessful breast OR bottle feeding.
For infants born with lip or tongue tie, the restriction does not allow the lip to rest passively over the nipple for proper suctioning.
Symptoms you may notice can include:
- Difficulty latching or staying on latch
- Excessive gas or burps
- Gagging and choking
- Milk dribbles
- Reflux/colic
- Excessive spitting up
- An arched back due to discomfort
- Falling asleep at the breast
- Long feeding times or continual feeding
- Lip calluses or blisters
- Swallowing air
- Chomping on the nipple
- Comes off latch
- Can only feed during letdown
- Tucking of the upper lip
- Fussing/fighting at the breast
- Acting tense while nursing
- Sensitive gag reflex
- “Lazy Eater”
- Difficulty holding a pacifier
- Failure to gain weight
Nursing mothers may find it difficult or painful to breastfeed.
Tongue and lip ties don’t only affect the infant. A baby’s tethered oral tissue can also cause physical and emotional issues for a breastfeeding mother, which could include:
- Painful Latch
- Shallow Latch
- Distorted, sore, damaged, and/or bleeding nipples
- Plugged ducts
- Mastitis
- Feelings of failure or disappointment
- Loss of milk supply (especially after 3 months)
- Nipple throbbing (vasospasms)
As babies grow, they may continue having challenges in eating solid foods.
- Tongue and lip tie symptoms in babies may include:
Eating slowly (often the last one to finish a meal) - Very picky about food, especially textures
- Choking when transitioning to solid foods
- Gagging or spitting food out
- Refusing to wean
- Difficulty swallowing
- Easily distracted during mealtimes
- Grazing on food throughout the day
- Failure to gain weight
If left untreated, the problematic side effects of tongue and lip tie can continue into adolescence and adulthood. Into late childhood, they may continue to struggle to eat and may have difficulties with speech.
While all of the side effects and potential long-term complications as a result of tongue and lip tie in infants may feel scary and overwhelming, the great news is that at Northstar Family Dental we are able to offer a simple, effective and painless solution.
Board Certified Oral Surgeon, Dr. Julie Park, is extensively trained and certified to perform laser frenectomies (also known as laser frenulectomy, laser frenotomy, or laser lip- or tongue-tie release) using a LightScalpel CO2 laser.
The incredible CO2 Laser technology allows Dr. Park to safely and efficiently perform the minimally invasive procedure with predictable and instant results. There is no blood, no sedation needed, and little-to-no pain.
The procedure is relatively fast, often taking less than 10 seconds of laser time to release a tongue or lip tie.
The procedure may be performed as early as a couple of days after birth and can be performed into adulthood.
To ensure the best experience and rate of success for nursing mothers, they even partner with an onsite International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for pre-and-post procedure support.
If you, or a mom you know, have a baby or child with a lip or tongue tie, the team of doctors (all moms!) at Northstar Family Dental would love to help you and your family find peace and success.
For more information, call them at 614-891-4242 or visit www.northstarfamilydental.com
