Parents with toddlers are always busy. When a child becomes cranky or fussy many parents think the child is just tired. Sometimes the real reason may be a small oral condition called Lip Tie. Because the symptoms look like normal toddler behavior many parents do not notice the problem until a dental visit.
What Is a Lip Tie
A lip tie develops before a baby is born. Inside the mouth there is a small band of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. This tissue is called the frenulum. In most babies this tissue stretches enough and allows the lip to move normally. In some children the tissue stays tight and short. This can restrict the movement of the upper lip and may affect feeding speech and oral development.
Signs Parents May Notice
Some babies with a lip tie have trouble breastfeeding because they cannot latch properly. This may lead to feeding problems acid reflux or colic. Mothers may also feel pain during breastfeeding.
If the lip tie is not noticed during infancy some signs may appear later during the toddler years. Parents may notice that their child becomes more fussy refuses certain foods complains of throat discomfort or has a dry mouth. In some cases a gap may appear between the two upper front teeth.
What Happens if It Is Not Treated
If a lip tie is not treated it may cause problems as the child grows. These problems can include poor weight gain gaps between the front teeth mouth breathing sleep problems speech difficulties and trouble brushing teeth properly.
Treatment for Lip Tie
The good news is that treatment is simple and quick. Dentists can perform a small procedure called a Frenectomy to release the tight tissue. The procedure takes only a few minutes and helps the lip move normally.
Early dental checkups can help detect this condition and keep your child’s smile healthy and comfortable.
Your Saraswati Dental College team is here to help!
We are proud to be well-known pediatric dental experts in Saraswati Dental College and Hospital. We are here to help you and your child adjust to their new world of dentist visits in any way that we can. If you think it would be helpful to introduce your child to our team before their appointment, please let us know and we are happy to make that happen. You and your child are in great hands with our trusted team and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. If you’re ready to schedule your child’s visit, let’s get started!
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