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Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment – Fairfax, VA
Improved Oral Health & Function for Young Smiles
In order for your child to enjoy a lifetime of good oral health, all of the structures in their mouth should work harmoniously together. Sadly, many infants and young children are afflicted by a lip or tongue tie. These conditions can turn simple tasks, such as eating and speaking, into a real challenge! Here at MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fairfax, we are proud to offer lip and tongue tie treatment. We want all young smiles to enjoy improved oral health and function!
Why Choose MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment?
- Convenient Treatment Performed In-House
- Quick Procedure with Long-Lasting Results
- Prevent Future Oral Health Problems
How Do Lip and Tongue Ties Develop?
A lip tie develops when the tissue that connects the lips to the gums, known as a frenulum or frenum, is too short or thick. A tongue tie occurs when the frenulum between the tongue and floor of the mouth is too short or thick. These issues restrict the movement of oral tissues. They develop in the wound and may be the result of genetic factors or certain nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy.
Symptoms of lip and tongue tie usually become apparent very early in a child’s life. You might notice things like:
- Colic
- Acid reflux
- Slow weight gain
- Difficulty holding a pacifier
Breastfeeding challenges are also very common in cases of lip and tongue tie. The baby may have difficulty latching, and the mom may experience a low milk supply, clogged milk ducts, and sore nipples.
Babies are usually checked for lip and tongue ties early on, but if you suspect your child has one of these conditions and has not been diagnosed, it is worth seeking a second opinion.
Why Is It Important to Treat Lip & Tongue Ties?
Without proper treatment, lip and tongue ties can contribute to problems throughout childhood and even into adulthood. Some issues that your child might experience include:
- Speech impediments or delays in speech development.
- Forward head and neck posture.
- An increased risk of cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems.
- Avoidance of certain textures of food.
- Dental misalignment that results in the need for extensive orthodontic care later in life.
- Snoring and sleep apnea, as well as the exhaustion and potential behavioral problems that often come with poor-quality sleep.
- Chronic mouth breathing.
Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment
Fortunately, lip and tongue tie are not difficult to treat. We can address these issues via a minimally invasive surgery known as a frenectomy.
During the procedure, we simply numb the patient’s mouth and carefully cut the frenum in a way that frees up movement of the lip and/or tongue. Most infants are able to start breastfeeding immediately after their procedure. Plus, since tissues in the mouth tend to heal quickly, you can expect your baby to feel normal again within just a couple of weeks. Our team will provide instructions to help your child enjoy a smooth recovery.
Lip & Tongue-Tie FAQs
How Should I Prepare My Baby for a Frenectomy?
Frenectomies require very little preparation. Infants do not understand what is going on and will not remember what happened during the process, but it’s still important to keep yourself and your child calm before the procedure to prevent unneeded stress. We often recommend feeding your baby between 60 and 90 minutes before the procedure so they are hungry and ready to nurse or feed afterward.
In the days leading up to your child’s frenectomy, you can do a few exercises to help them practice the sucking motion. For example, you may place your clean finger on their tongue and allow them to suck on it. Once they are engaged, gently pull away so they have to work slightly harder to keep sucking. You can also gently rub a clean finger along their lower gums so their tongue can practice following it, which can help them learn important lateral movements for after the procedure.
How Long Does a Frenectomy Take?
Frenectomies are simple procedures that typically take only a few minutes, but the process may take a little longer if the frenulum tissue is especially thick or if your child is receiving the procedure on both their lip and tongue. During your child’s consultation at our Fairfax office, our dentist will carefully explain the details of the procedure so you can have a fair idea of how long it will take.
Is My Child Old Enough to Get Lip or Tongue-Tie Treatment?
It’s understandable that the thought of your child receiving even a minor oral surgical procedure like a frenectomy might make you nervous. However, there is no hard age minimum for treating lip and tongue-ties, and frenectomies are frequently performed a few days after birth. Unfortunately, lip and tongue-ties do not usually resolve themselves, so postponing treatment may lead to more problems in the long term. Generally speaking, it’s better to have the issue addressed sooner so your child can begin enjoying normal oral function and breastfeeding early on.
How Will You Keep My Baby Still for the Frenectomy?
Precision is crucial for a frenectomy to be performed effectively and safely, and infants are well-known for being quite squirmy a lot of the time. In most cases, we will simply have to snugly swaddle your child to ensure that they stay still, secure, and comfortable throughout the procedure.
How Long Does It Take to See Improvement After a Frenectomy?
After your child’s lip or tongue-tie has been treated, their range of motion should significantly improve almost instantly. Many infants are able to latch on for breastfeeding immediately after the procedure, but it may take a few feedings for your child to get used to doing so properly. Older children and adults who receive frenectomies may need additional therapy to relearn oral functions such as speech patterns.
