Lip and tongue tie is found in infants at birth. It is a condition in which the movement of lips and tongue is restricted. Behind your upper lip, there is a layer of tissue called the frenulum. When the membrane is too thick or overgrown in a baby, it leads to immobility of the lip.
Tongue tie is also known as ankyloglossia. In such a condition, a small thick band of tissue called the lingual frenulum attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. The tongue and lip tie in babies contribute many difficulties, which are mentioned further on.
Read on to know the causes and ways to rectify this issue.
What Causes Tongue and Lip Ties in Babies?
It is a genetic disorder that is detected at birth. During the gestation period, the tongue and mouth floor fuse together, which separates over time. The exact reason for this issue is unknown. However, it is established that genetics plays a role in it.
Complications of tongue and lip tie
For infants, the problem is multifold. Some of which are mentioned below
- Feeding issues
- Poor latch
- Suction problem
- Colic and gas issues
- Poor nutrition
- Repeated nursing episode due to inadequate milk intake
- A gap in front teeth
- Restricted lip making it difficult to pull out or flange
In Children
If the treatment is delayed due to any reason, the following complications may appear for toddlers.
- Inability to eat and chew food
- Choking due to tongue tie
- Poor oral hygiene
- Increased drooling
- Delayed speech development
- Behavior issues
- Breathing difficulties
Detecting Tongue and Lip Ties
Here’s what to look out for
During nursing
Tongue and lip ties make it difficult for the babies to maintain a strong latch during feeding. Babies often make clicking noises while sucking. They tend to drool more and detach very easily. This increases the feeding episodes. Not only that, improper nutrition leads to poor weight gain and development of the baby.
Examination of the Tongue at Home
You can lay your baby down and look for a tongue or lip tie yourself. Move the index finger under the tongue and search for any thick band. Repeat the same under the lip for ties over there.
Treatment Plan
There is no need to worry. Apt treatment plan is available to cater your baby’s needs. A swift and easy procedure named frenectomy is done on patients of all ages to get rid of this issue.
Frenectomy
Also known as lip and tongue tie revisions. A laser process that cuts away the tissue (frenum) from either the lip, tongue, or both areas. There are two types of categories in this procedure
- Maxillary frenectomy or a labial frenectomy – works for lip tie
- Lingual frenectomy corrective surgery for tongue tie
Conclusion
As a new mom, it must be difficult for you to deal with so many changes. Fear not, Pediatric Healthcare of Northwest Houston, PA is just a call away. Look out for the symptoms mentioned in the complications section. If you think that your baby might have this problem, contact us at Houston: (281) 655 1500 and Conroe: (936) 539 8190 in case of any query.
