Know How to Recognize Tongue and Lip Ties in Infants and Young Children
Parents, are you looking for a pediatric dentist that provides quality care for your children? Rigby Pediatric Dental is the perfect place for parents who want the best care for their children. We provide quality pediatric dentistry, no matter your child’s age or dental condition. And we provide care that you may not find at your average pediatric dentist’s office, such as laser care for lip and tongue ties in Idaho Falls. Please schedule a consultation with us today to see how we can help your child get the dental care they need! Tongue and Lip Ties You may have heard of tongue-tie and lip-tie if you have an infant or young child. But what are they? Tongue-tie and lip-tie are conditions that can interfere with breastfeeding, speaking, and oral hygiene. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what tongue-tie and lip-tie are, how to recognize the signs and symptoms, and what you can do if your child has either condition. What is Tongue-Tie? Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition that occurs when the tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or thick. The attached tissue can interfere with the tongue’s range of motion, making it difficult to breastfeed or eat certain foods. Tongue-tie can also make it hard to clean the tongue properly when brushing the teeth, which can lead to problems with oral hygiene. What is Lip-Tie? Lip-tie is a condition that occurs when the tissue that attaches the upper lip to the gums is too short or thick. Like a tongue tie, this can interfere with your child’s lip range of motion and make it difficult to breastfeed or eat certain foods. Lip-tie can also make it hard to brush the teeth properly, which can lead to eventual oral issues such as tooth decay. Signs and Symptoms of Lip-Tie or Tongue-Tie The most common sign of lip-tie or tongue-tie is difficulty breastfeeding. A baby may have difficulty latching onto the nipple or may fall off the breast frequently. Other signs and symptoms include: Poor weight gain Excessive drooling Difficulty sticking out the tongue past the lower gumline Difficulty licking ice cream or other cold desserts Speech problems later in childhood If you suspect your child has lip-tie or tongue-tie, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kory Bingham. Dr. Bingham and his team will be able to confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment options, such as laser therapy. Laser Treatment If the tongue or lip tie is severe, we offer the latest dental technology and techniques to correct it, including laser dentistry. Laser dentistry is a relatively new procedure that can fix these problems quickly, comfortably, and effectively, helping to improve function and reduce the risk of future problems. Most patients see an immediate improvement in their symptoms. Dr. Bingham will use a laser to make a small incision in the tissue. The laser cauterizes the blood vessels as it cuts, minimizing bleeding and swelling. This entire process usually takes less than five minutes and can be done in our state-of-the-art dental facility in Rigby, Idaho. Laser Dentistry For Lip and Tongue Ties At Rigby Pediatric Dental, we understand that parents want the best possible care for their children. That’s why we offer quality pediatric dentistry services tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. We accept most insurance plans and will even submit your claim for you! Tongue-tie and lip-tie are two conditions that can cause difficulties with breastfeeding, speaking, and oral hygiene in infants and young children. If you suspect your child has either condition, schedule an appointment with Rigby Pediatric Dental. We can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
Lip and Tongue Tie
If you have been told your child has a lip or tongue tie, don’t worry. You are not alone, and we can help in Rigby, Idaho. The good news is that we can easily treat this. At Rigby Pediatric Dental, we specialize in diagnosing and treating lip and tongue ties. We will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your child. If you think your child may have a lip or tongue tie, please call us to make an appointment. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. What is a Lip And Tongue Tie? Is a condition where the tissues that connect the mouth’s lip, tongue, and floor are too tight. The connection can cause breastfeeding, speech development, and oral hygiene problems. What Are the Symptoms of a Lip or Tongue Tie? The symptoms can vary but may include: Difficulty breastfeeding Poor latch when breastfeeding Clicking sound when nursing Fussiness or gas during feedings Slow weight gain Gagging or choking when trying to eat solid foods Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side Trouble sticking out the tongue How is a Lip or Tongue Tie Treated? We can treat this with a procedure called a frenectomy. This simple, quick procedure involves cutting the tissues that are too tight. Frenectomies can be performed in our Rigby, Idaho office and do not require any anesthesia. Does a Lip and Tongue Tie Always Need to Be Corrected? Most tongue and lip ties do not require treatment. If you are concerned about your child’s development, please call us to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to answer any questions you have. At What Age Should It Be Corrected? There is no one answer to this question. It depends on the individual child and family situation. The sooner is corrected, the better. The early timing is because it can be easier before it causes problems with breastfeeding, speech development, or oral hygiene. What is Recovery Like? Most children do not experience any discomfort after the procedure. Dr. Bingham may prescribe mild pain medication if needed. It is essential to keep the area clean and free of food debris. We will give you specific instructions on caring for the area after the procedure. How Can I Make an Appointment With Rigby Pediatric Dental for My Child’s Lip or Tongue Tie? To make an appointment with Rigby Pediatric Dental for your child, please call us at (208) 600-0300. We look forward to meeting you and your child! Get Lip and Tongue Tie Help in Rigby, Idaho Dr. Bingham is a pediatric dentist specializing in lip and tongue tie releases. He uses a gentle techniques to release the ties without cutting and while maximizing comfort. We can complete most procedures in just one visit. If you want to look into this treatment or any other pediatric dental treatment, schedule an appointment today at Rigby Pediatric Dental!