Picture your child’s mouth as a vibrant city (not unlike Dickson) where every resident, from a minor tooth to the tongue’s tip, plays an essential role in maintaining balance. What happens when a few residents, like the lip and tongue, are hindered by invisible ties? The city’s rhythm stumbles. This issue occurs in a child’s mouth with lip and tongue ties. These seemingly minor conditions can disrupt the symphony of feeding, speaking, and even breathing. However, don’t worry. Accent Smile Center is here to help untie these knots and restore harmony. Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, and the rest of our incredible team are here to help.
Understanding Lip and Tongue Ties
Lip and tongue ties are birth conditions that restrict the range of motion in a child’s mouth. They occur when the thin skin pieces connecting the upper lip to the upper gum (the labial frenulum) and the tongue to the mouth’s floor (the lingual frenulum) are unusually short or tight. These conditions are also called ankyloglossia (tongue tie) and maxillary labial frenulum (lip tie).
Frenulum restrictions can significantly affect a child’s ability to breastfeed efficiently and comfortably. They may lead to poor latch, inadequate milk intake, and nipple pain for the mother. Lip and tongue ties can cause other problems if left untreated. In growing children, issues like speech difficulties, dental issues like tooth decay and spacing, and challenges with solid food intake can develop.
At Accent Smile Center, we understand the significance of early detection and intervention for lip and tongue ties. With our expertise in pediatric dentistry and laser treatments, we can diagnose and treat these conditions, ensuring your child’s oral development is on the right track. We intend to help your child reach optimal oral health and function, establishing a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Common Signs of Lip and Tongue Ties in Children
By identifying lip and tongue ties early, it can significantly improve a child’s oral development and overall well-being. As parents, you play a vital role in observing potential signs of these conditions. Some common indicators include:
Infants with lip or tongue ties may struggle to latch onto the breast or a bottle, leading to brief and frequent feeding sessions. They may also produce a clicking sound while feeding, indicating a poor latch. These infants may not gain weight as expected because of inefficient feeding. Infants may swallow excessive air during feeding, leading to symptoms like gas, reflux, or colic.
As children grow, untreated lip and tongue ties can contribute to dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and teeth spacing. Children may struggle with specific sounds or speech patterns due to limited tongue mobility.
Diagnosing Lip and Tongue Ties
At Accent Smile Center, we use a comprehensive approach to diagnosing lip and tongue ties. During the consultation, Dr. Gatgens or Dr. Densmore will examine your child’s mouth, assessing the frenulum’s form and function. This includes observing your child’s tongue and lip movements and understanding any symptoms or challenges they may be experiencing.
Our team uses advanced imaging techniques to accurately classify the lip and tongue ties. This detailed assessment allows us to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. We believe in transparent communication and will guide you through our findings, explaining the implications and discussing the best course of action. We aim to ensure you feel informed and confident about your child’s care.
Treatment Options at Accent Smile Center
Accent Smile Center offers state-of-the-art laser treatment for lip and tongue ties, providing a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution. Laser treatment involves using a concentrated light beam to precisely cut and remove the restrictive frenulum, freeing the tongue or lip for improved movement.
One of the key advantages of laser treatment is gentleness compared to traditional surgical methods. The heat from the laser cauterizes while cutting at the same time. Thus, bleeding is reduced, and the need for stitches or sutures is eliminated. This results in a quicker and more comfortable recovery for your child.
Our team members are certified laser dentistry specialists. With this extensive training and experience, we verify that each procedure is performed with the highest precision and care.
Post-Treatment Care and Follow-ups
After the procedure, we provide detailed instructions for immediate aftercare, critical for successful healing and optimal results. These instructions include guidance on oral exercises to prevent reattachment and promote mobility and tips for managing any discomfort your child may experience.
After the operation, we schedule a two-week appointment to evaluate your child’s healing and discuss symptom improvements. Regular follow-ups are crucial to our care approach, allowing us to monitor your child’s progress and promptly address any concerns.
At Accent Smile Center, we understand that treating a lip or tongue tie is more than resolving immediate feeding or speech issues. It’s about preparing your child for long-term oral health and development success. We’re dedicated to offering comprehensive, compassionate care every step of the way.
Tongue Tie Treatment With Accent Smile Center
Navigating the world of lip and tongue ties can seem daunting, but remember, you’re not alone. At Accent Smile Center in Dickson, we’re here to guide you through every step, from identifying the signs to providing expert treatment and follow-up care. With Dr. Gatgens and Dr. Densmore on their side, your child can overcome these obstacles and thrive with early detection and intervention. Let’s untie those knots and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your child’s oral health success.