When bands of tissues behind the upper lip or underneath the tongue are restricted, it can create problems that leave you and your baby frustrated and unhappy. You may wonder, “Are lip and tongue ties common” or are you alone in this fight? A local pediatric dentist is here to explain the history and why they seem more common than before.
The Lip and Tongue Tie: The Origins
Dating back to the 1600s, many physicians addressed the problem of a lip or tongue tie. Using specialized instruments of the time, they released the banded tissue, which allowed the infant to move their lip and/or tongue freely, resulting in improved nursing and oral function. While this may have been normal during this time in history, ideas, opinions, and practices changed over the centuries, making these ties less of a problem.
By the time infant formula became popular on the market, more doctors began to encourage women to switch from breastfeeding to using store-bought products to feed their babies. As a result, fewer babies seemed to struggle with lip and tongue ties, resulting in a decrease in frenectomies – the procedure used to release the tie.
However, as more research was completed, many women returned to natural nursing instead of looking to formula to feed their babies. Because of this shift, dentists see more and more babies experiencing issues because of a lip or tongue tie. But this does not mean that breastfeeding is bad or that it shouldn’t be pursued. Instead, there is an easier and more reliable way to treat the problem without the use of a traditional scalpel and sutures.
How Modern-Day Frenectomies Work?
A frenectomy is a quick procedure that involves using a soft tissue laser to gently release the banded tissue behind the upper lip or underneath the tongue. Because the laser cauterizes the tissue, it is less likely to bleed or swell, and because it sterilizes along the way, it is unlikely for your little one to develop an infection afterward.
How to Know if Your Child Needs a Frenectomy
In most cases, a baby with a lip or tongue tie will develop issues with:
- Poor weight gain
- Acid reflux or colic
- Fussiness
- Inability to latch
- Prolonged feedings
- The inability to stick out their tongue
- Clicking or smacking noises when attempting to nurse
If left untreated, these issues can carry into childhood, adolescence, and even adulthood. They often manifest through difficulty swallowing food, mouth breathing, and even poor oral health.
For mothers, having a baby with a lip or tongue tie can create feelings of depression and inadequacy, while also dealing with cracked and sore nipples and blocked milk ducts.
The good news is that these symptoms and signs do not have to be forever. With the help of a trusted pediatric dentist, you and your little one can get the help you both need to start enjoying this time in your lives.
About the Author
Dr. Bryce Cushing is a pediatric dentist who completed his dental degree at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. After graduating with honors, he completed a pediatric residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. As the lead dentist at Surf’s Up Pediatric Dentistry, he and his team are here to offer exceptional care to patients from infancy. If you think that your child has a lip or tongue tie and needs help, contact us via the website or (402) 773-7873 to learn more.