Have you noticed an increase in the number of babies diagnosed with lip or tongue tie? You’re not imagining it. Approximately 5% of all newborns are born with the abnormality. The condition occurs when a tight or thick band of tissue prevents normal lip or tongue movements. Although it may seem like more infants are being diagnosed with the condition, it isn’t a new issue. Instead, awareness about tongue tie has contributed to the increase in treatments, and here’s why.
Increase in Tongue Tie Treatments
When the tongue or lip can’t move freely, it can lead to several issues that can affect a child’s development. Often, they experience feeding complications and poor weight gain. Without any intervention, speech problems can also occur. Correcting a tied tongue is simple by using a frenectomy, which isn’t a new treatment. There’s evidence of the procedure being performed in the late 1600s; however, it became less common over the centuries.
The decline of frenectomies is attributed to the introduction of bottle feeding. As more mothers chose formula instead of breastfeeding, the issue was often overlooked. Now that more women are favoring breastfeeding again, the condition is more obvious.
Breastfeeding requires proper technique to ensure the baby is getting enough milk. When tongue movements are restricted, an infant isn’t able to draw milk from the breast. As a result, the powerful muscle in the tongue can cause sore nipples for the mother.
Previously, women would not know what was causing the pain, but social media has made it easier for mothers to consult with others experiencing similar complications when breastfeeding. This has raised awareness of tongue tie and the treatment options available.
Treating Tongue and Lip Tie
Resolving a tongue or lip tie is easier than ever thanks to a soft tissue laser. Traditionally, a frenectomy is performed using a scalpel to cut the band of tissue. Although effective, a soft tissue laser is less invasive and offers fewer risks of complications.
The pinpoint accuracy of the soft tissue laser frees the lip or tongue with the utmost precision. The highly concentrated beam of light energy sterilizes the tissue to reduce the risk of infection. It also cauterizes the area to minimize bleeding and inflammation. An infant may experience slight tenderness for 1-2 days, which can be managed using an age-appropriate pain reliever. After 1-2 weeks, the tissue will have healed completely. Overall, it is a less painful solution to correct the abnormality to support a child’s health and wellness.
You can ensure your child has normal movements of their tongue or lip to promote their growth and overall development. Your pediatric dentist offers the state-of-the-art solution they need for optimal wellness.
About Dr. Donna Barefield
Dr. Barefield earned her dental degree at the Baylor College of Dentistry and continued her training in pediatric dentistry to become a diplomat of the American Academy of Pediatrics Dentistry. She uses the latest treatments and technologies to support the health and development of young smiles. If your child needs a frenectomy, contact our office today to request a consultation.