Can My Toddler Be Treated for a Lip or Tongue-Tie? Toddlers bring a level of excitement to any household. With their curiosity for the world and eagerness to test out their walking and talking skills, you’re likely to find yourself busy from morning until night. But have you noticed lately that they are struggling more with eating certain foods or trying to say specific words or sounds? If so, it could be that a lip or tongue-tie is to blame. Find out what symptoms are attributed to this common problem and how a trusted dentist in your area can help.
How Can I Know If My Child Has a Lip or Tongue-Tie?
It’s common for infants and toddlers to show different symptoms than children and adults when it comes to knowing whether they have a lip or tongue-tie. For toddlers who are no longer nursing or taking a bottle, some of the most likely signs of there being a problem include:
- Difficulty moving the tongue outward
- Restricted range of motion for the lip and/or tongue
- Delayed speech
- Difficulty chewing and digesting certain foods
- Increased risk of tooth decay
- Mouth breathing
- Gagging or choking when attempting to eat
What Kind of Treatment Is Available for My Child’s Lip or Tongue-Tie?
The procedure used to address your toddler’s lip or tongue-tie is a frenectomy. This is the same process required for infants, children, and adults.
Using a soft tissue dental laser that produces no heat, vibration, or any other uncomfortable sound or feeling, the dentist will quickly release the lip or tongue-tie so that your child will immediately get to enjoy a wider range of motion.
In just minutes, your toddler’s lip or tongue will no longer be tethered, making it easier to eat the foods they love, practice speaking more clearly, and breathe easier each night. By following a few simple instructions for appropriate aftercare, you can ensure your little one’s lip or tongue-tie does not grow back but instead remains unattached and ready for use.
About the Author
Dr. Lindsey McElligott is a Lexington dentist who earned her dental degree in 2008 from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Offering lip and tongue-tie frenectomies to patients of all ages, she and the team at Lexington Smile Studio are here to make sure your child walks away with a healthier smile as well as greater confidence. Contact us at (781) 861-7645 to discuss your child’s eligibility for a frenectomy.
