Does your toddler have difficulty eating solid foods? Do they breathe through their mouth while asleep? If you said “yes” to either of these questions, it might be their lip-tie that is to blame. Keep reading to learn when it’s time to seek professional treatment for your child’s lip-tie.
What Challenges Can Arise Because of a Lip Tie?
Most lip-tie problems become evident during infancy, though not always. Your little one might breeze through this stage, but suddenly experience issues as they enter toddlerhood. It’s also possible that they exhibited issues early on, but not enough to warrant a trip to the doctor.
Now, as a toddler, their lip-tie may be causing:
- Difficulty Eating Solid Foods: Chewing, swallowing, and moving food around in their mouth may be harder if their tissue remains restricted. This can cause them to choke or cough, leading to nutritional deficiencies and digestive issues.
- Sleep-Breathing Disorders: A lip-tie can make it harder for your child to close their mouth while asleep. As a result, they will breathe through their mouth rather than their nose, which can cause them to snore or experience restless sleep. This can cause behavioral issues and difficulties interacting with their peers.
- Speech Impediments: Although their communication may be minimal at this stage, their ability to form sounds is important. If you notice that they struggle to speak clearly, their lip-tie may be the problem, and it will only worsen if left untreated.
- Oral Health Problems: A lip-tie can cause a gap to form in the upper front teeth, increasing their risk for cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, as it can be hard to clean these teeth.
How Can a Dentist Help?
If you notice that your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with their dentist. Many professionals provide frenectomies to release these restricted tissues, improving oral movement.
All that is required is for you to bring your child in to meet with the dentist for an evaluation. After learning more about their situation and health history, they will explain the process of addressing the lip-tie.
This usually requires using a dental laser to release the tie, allowing the lip to move freely. The process is quick and easy, producing minimal bleeding and swelling, so they can expect a faster recovery.
Don’t let your little one’s lip-tie keep them from experiencing life at this new and exciting stage. Get the professional help they need to eat, speak, and breathe comfortably from now on.
About the Author
Dr. Ramu Vuppala earned his dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Working closely with young patients, he has advanced training and experience in treating lip and tongue-ties. Providing laser dentistry for fast, effective care, he ensures shorter recovery times through his swift, successful approach. If your child has a lip-tie that needs to be addressed, visit our website or call (432) 520-5437.