A Modern Solution for Lip and Tongue-Tie
By Lexington Smile Studio
We’ve heard it countless times before! Breastfeeding is best. And as parents, we strive to provide great quality care for our children. Why? Because we love them dearly. It’s a profound love that touches the core of our hearts and provokes every thought and action. So, what does a parent think and how do they act when their baby isn’t breastfeeding? They’re latching poorly and you begin to notice that your baby is losing weight. Hopefully, you won’t resort to a bottle because these symptoms could be signs of lip and tongue-tie condition. Unfortunately, many parents, as well as pediatricians, are unaware of the lifetime complications which can arise from untreated tongue and lip-ties.
What is Lip and Tongue-Tie?
Lip and tongue frenula (thin tissues) are normal structures in the mouth. When these tissues are too tight, they are referred to as lip-ties and tongue-ties. However, some infants are born with one or both frenula still attached. Infants with lip-tie have difficulty moving the upper lip naturally. While, those with tongue-tie struggle with moving the tongue side to side and outward.
Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Symptoms
- Difficult tongue movement (side to side and outward)
- Reflux
- Gasping for air while feeding
- Infant falls asleep too soon while feeding
- Infant has gas or hiccups after feeding
- Poor latching or smacking sounds
- Infant latches with gums
- Infant has oral blisters
- Low weight
- Gulps milk
- Inability to use pacifier
- Prefers the bottle instead of breast
Lip-tie can also be identified by observing the inside of the upper lip. The lip should easily roll upwards touching the tip of the nose.
Future Complications
Lip and tongue-tie affect your baby’s quality of life. He or she is likely to suffer from a range of complications that include speaking difficulties and airway issues. Untreated children grow into adulthood having spent most of their lives likely suffering from:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Mouth breathing
- Difficulty chewing food
- Delayed speech
- Lisp
- Oral health issues like tooth decay
- Slower speaking ability
- Neck, back, or jaw pain
- Migraines
- Mouth breathing
- Difficulty sleeping
- Bruxism
- Snoring
- Narrow palate or upper jaw
- Underbite or overbite
- Chronic asthma, allergy suffering, or rhinitis
There are cases where children have difficulty speaking and attend speech therapy. Or, children who have difficulty sleeping and are unable to focus in school. Some are improperly diagnosed with having mental or other physical conditions. When in fact, the actual issue is lip or tongue-tie which can be treated with CO2 Laser Treatment.
CO2 Laser Treatment
CO2 laser treatment quickly dissolves the excess tissue with minimal discomfort, allowing your baby to breastfeed immediately. If you believe your infant or child has lip or tongue-tie, contact a specialist. Early diagnosis treatment by a highly trained professional is best to minimize future complications. In addition, share this information with loved ones. It will better the lives of babies, children and their families.
About Dr. Fawn Rosenberg, DMD, FAGD
Dr. Fawn Rosenberg graduated Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 1985, received her Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry in 1990 and has been using a variety of lasers in dentistry for over 20 years. She has previously held staff appointments at Tufts, Boston and Harvard dental schools as well as Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Dr. Rosenberg is a member of the Massachusetts Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, International Affiliation of Tongue-tie Professionals and International Consortium of Oral Ankylofrenula Professionals.
For more information, please contact Dr. Fawn Rosenberg at:
Lexington Smile Studio
922 Waltham St, Suite 202
Lexington, MA 02421
(781) 861-SMILE