02
Sep
Six Signs That Your Child Needs Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that “releases” the restrictive frenulum attachment to restore your child’s oral function. At Simply Kids Dental, we offer laser frenectomy to children in Cimarron Hills, Colorado, and the nearby locations, providing a comfortable, minimally invasive alternative to traditional frenectomy. If you suspect that your child has a tongue or lip-tie, visit our office today and explore the benefits of a laser frenectomy.
Signs of a lip or tongue-tie
If you run your tongue inside your upper lip, you can feel a thin tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. This tissue is known as a labial frenulum. Similarly, if you curl your tongue’s tip downwards, you can feel another tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. That’s a lingual frenulum. When these tissues are too tight, short, or restricted, they can limit the mobility of the tongue and upper lip, affecting your child’s oral functionality.
Not every tongue-tie or lip-tie causes noticeable symptoms. However, when the restriction affects the normal movement of the tongue or upper lip, it can interfere with feeding, speech, oral hygiene, and healthy oral development. Here are six signs that your child may need a tongue- or lip-tie release.
1. Problems with breastfeeding
One of the tell-tale signs of a tongue or lip-tie is poor breastfeeding. When your child’s tongue or lips can’t move freely, they may struggle to latch properly. A poor latch leads to poor milk intake, poor weight gain, and frustration for both the baby and mother.
If you notice that your baby has problems with breastfeeding, it may be a sign of an underlying tongue or lip-tie. A consultation with Dr. Sean can help restore optimal breastfeeding.
2. Eating difficulties
A restricted tongue or upper lip affects feeding, too. Since these structures can’t move freely, your child may have difficulties swallowing or moving food freely in the mouth. This often leads to frustration during feeding and may affect nutrition. While several factors can cause eating difficulties in children, it’s important to seek a dental evaluation to rule out a tongue or lip-tie.
3. Speech difficulties
Speech development is a significant milestone as your child grows. Unfortunately, a tight or restricted frenulum can impede proper tongue movement, affecting speech articulation. If your child has a tongue-tie, they may have challenges pronouncing certain sounds, such as “n”, “t”, “l”, “th”, and “r”. If your child has speech development issues, your pediatric dentist or speech therapist may recommend a frenectomy as part of the comprehensive treatment plan.
4. Dental health problems
Tongue or lip-ties can cause oral problems as teeth erupt. A restricted upper lip may pull on the gums and cause gaps in the front teeth. A tongue-tie may also limit the tongue’s natural cleaning ability, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. The good news is that a frenectomy can help prevent further complications.
Real Patient Results
5. Mouth breathing
A restrictive labial frenulum affects your baby’s tongue position, preventing it from resting in its ideal position against the roof of the mouth. As a result, children may be more likely to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. While not every child with a tongue-tie has mouth breathing problems, a restricted tongue can affect the upper airway.
If you notice your child mouth breathing even if they don’t have a stuffy nose, a tongue-tie may be the cause. Schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist near you for close evaluation.
6. Nipple pain or damage
Breastfeeding should be a pleasant experience for both the baby and the mother. However, a poor latch due to a tongue- or lip-tie can cause nipple soreness beyond the usual slight tenderness. If you notice ongoing pain, cracking, or bleeding nipples, it’s a sign that your baby isn’t latching properly, and a tongue/lip-tie could be the cause.
Post-operative video discussed in the office
Who offers laser frenectomy near me in Cimarron Hills, CO?
Do you suspect that your child has a lip or tongue-tie? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Dial (719) 249-2030 and schedule an appointment with Simply Kids Dental, serving families in Cimarron Hills and beyond. Laser frenectomy is a safe, precise procedure that delivers predictable results within minutes.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (719) 249-2030 | Existing Patients: (719) 598-5437
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FAQs
How do you diagnose a lip or tongue-tie?
Diagnosing a lip or tongue-tie involves more than simply looking at the tissue under the tongue or upper lip. Dr. Sean also observes your child’s feeding behavior and identifies any effects the restriction may have on oral development.
Does a frenectomy hurt?
Not at Simply Kids Dental. A frenectomy is typically a quick, comfortable procedure with minimal discomfort. The connective tissues severed during a frenectomy have very few nerve endings, and we use laser technology, which provides a more comfortable experience than traditional scalpels. Additionally, many patients request sedation to help their children remain relaxed and comfortable throughout their visit.
Is a laser frenectomy safe?
It’s natural to be concerned with the safety of your little one. But for your peace of mind, a lip or tongue-tie release is a safe, routine procedure. At our pediatric dental office, we use advanced technology and follow strict sterilization protocols to offer the highest standard of care. Most children experience little to no side effects.
Will my child bleed excessively?
No! There are no major veins or arteries in the frenulum, so bleeding is minimal. Furthermore, as lasers cut through the tissue, they seal (cauterize) small blood vessels, minimizing bleeding.
Can a lip or tongue-tie recur after treatment?
Your child’s severed frenulum cannot regrow after treatment. However, the tissue can reattach during the healing process. Our dental team will provide aftercare tips to support proper healing. If reattachment recurs, your child may require a minor revision procedure.
What if a lip/tongue-tie is left untreated?
Not every lip or tongue-tie requires treatment. However, those that significantly restrict the movement of the lips or tongue can lead to ongoing challenges if left unaddressed. Depending on the severity and your child’s age, common problems of untreated lip or tongue-ties include:
- Difficulty breastfeeding or prolonged feeding sessions
- Speech concerns
- Poor weight gain
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental alignment issues
- Gaps between the front teeth
What are the long-term benefits of lip and tongue-tie release?
A frenectomy is a minor procedure but offers several benefits. When the tongue and lips move freely, your child experiences better breastfeeding and improved quality of life. Resolving these issues also helps achieve clearer speech, improved oral hygiene, and healthier oral development.
Who offers frenectomy near me in Cimarron Hills, CO?
A lip or tongue-tie may not seem like a big deal, but it can have significant consequences on your child’s oral development and overall well-being. Simply Kids Dental offers laser frenectomy, helping your child thrive again. Dial (719) 249-2030 and schedule your consultation today!
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Dr. Sean Vostatek
Dr. Sean Vostatek is a board-certified pediatric dentist specializing in treating infants, children, and those with special needs. He graduated from Texas A&M University and earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Vostatek is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Colorado Springs Dental Society. He is also a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Sean holds hospital privileges at Penrose-St. Francis Hospital, Audubon Surgery Center, and Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center in Salida, Colorado.