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Understanding Tongue and Lip Ties in Infants
Identifying whether your baby has a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or a lip tie can be crucial for ensuring proper feeding and overall oral health. These conditions occur when the frenulum—the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the gums—is too tight or short, restricting movement.
Signs and Symptoms
Feeding Difficulties: One of the most common indicators of a tongue or lip tie is difficulty during breastfeeding. If your baby struggles to latch properly, seems frustrated while feeding, or tires easily, these could be signs of a tie. Babies with these conditions may also make clicking sounds while nursing or may not be able to maintain a good seal, leading to ineffective feeding.
Physical Examination: To diagnose a tongue tie, a healthcare professional will typically examine the frenulum. They will check if it limits the tongue’s movement, which can be assessed by lifting the tongue to see how far it can extend. For lip ties, the examination focuses on the frenulum connecting the upper lip to the gums, looking for any restrictions that could affect feeding.
Other Indicators: Beyond feeding issues, other signs may include difficulty with oral hygiene, such as tooth decay, because the tongue cannot effectively clear food from the mouth. Additionally, if your baby seems to have a heart-shaped tongue when they stick it out, this could indicate a tongue tie.
Seeking Professional Help
If you suspect your baby has a tongue or lip tie, it is essential to consult with a pediatrician or a specialist, such as a pediatric dentist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss potential treatment options. In many cases, if a tie is diagnosed, a simple procedure can be performed to release the frenulum, often resulting in immediate improvement in feeding.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of tongue and lip ties is vital for ensuring your baby’s feeding success and comfort. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your baby’s feeding experience and overall health.
How do I know if my baby has a lip or tongue-tie?
At home, you can examine your baby’s oral tissues to see if they are overly thick or restrictive. Start by laying your baby on your lap facing you. Gently lift and flip their upper or lower lip. A lip tie will prevent you from doing this easily and will not look thin and pliable.
What does a baby lip tie look like?
If lip movement seems restricted, or if the flap of skin that runs from above their front teeth to the underside of the lip looks thick, it could be a lip tie. It’s important to note that all babies (and people, for that matter) have an upper frenulum.
What are the red flags for tongue-tie?
Signs and symptoms of tongue-tie include: Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or moving the tongue from side to side. Trouble sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth. A tongue that appears notched or heart shaped when stuck out.
Do pediatricians check for tongue-ties?
Most pediatricians do not perform a functional assessment of tongue, lip, and buccal ties. They may take a look at the structure, but that’s it! What does it mean if they look at structure? Most likely, they are checking to see if the frenulum is attached at the tip of the tongue.
What happens if a lip tie goes untreated?
Prolonged Issues
Besides eating, a lip tie can cause crowded teeth due to limited dental growth. Limited movement often delays speech development and results in speech impediments later in life. Mouth breathing, hygiene issues, and sleep disordered breathing are other potential symptoms of an untreated lip tie.
Can I check my baby for tongue-tie?
Check if it’s tongue-tie
If you or your child have tongue-tie, the piece of skin connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth usually looks shorter or tighter than usual. The tongue may also look heart-shaped when it’s lifted or stuck out.
Do pediatricians check for tongue ties?
Most pediatricians do not perform a functional assessment of tongue, lip, and buccal ties. They may take a look at the structure, but that’s it! What does it mean if they look at structure? Most likely, they are checking to see if the frenulum is attached at the tip of the tongue.
How to check tongue-tie at home?
Examine the tongue or lip – Lay your baby down on your knees, facing you. Run your finger under their tongue. Does this membrane feel short, strong, or excessively thick? A normal tongue will allow for a smooth and uninterrupted swipe underneath the frenulum.
How do you rule out a tongue-tie?
To check for tongue-tie, you can look at the shape of your baby’s tongue. If your baby is tongue-tied, the tip of the tongue may look like a little heart. That’s because the tissue that attaches the baby’s tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too short or too thick.
What is the age limit for tongue tie surgery?
This can often make them question the right age for their child to get tongue-tie surgery. According to the specialists at Tongue Tie Phenonix, tongue-tie surgeries do not have an age limit. Your child can get them anytime.