If your child has difficulty breastfeeding, dribbles often, or has trouble chewing or pronouncing words and sounds as they get older, they may have a tongue tie. This condition occurs when a band of tissue connects your baby’s tongue to the bottom of their mouth. This makes it challenging for your child to move their tongue freely. A tongue tie may lead to potential dental complications, including gaps, jaw problems, and tooth decay if left untreated. Therefore, getting treatment for your child’s tongue is essential to prevent these future issues.
At Rockland Dental Specialists, we understand the signs of tongue tie, the problems this condition can cause, and the treatment options available. We work closely with you to understand your child’s unique needs and develop a personalized plan to address their tongue tie and prevent future complications. Our professional team utilizes the latest technology and always puts your child’s health and comfort first.
4 Potential Dental Problems a Tongue Tie Can Cause
Tongue mobility plays a major role in children’s dental development, so complications may arise when a tongue tie limits this movement. Without the proper treatment, a tongue tie may lead to the following dental problems:
- Gaps: When the tongue does not sit or move properly in the mouth, children may push out their jaws, causing misalignment and potential gaps in the teeth that are challenging to correct as they grow older.
- Tooth decay: The tongue helps sweep food debris away from the teeth, so tooth decay and gum inflammation may occur without this range of motion.
- Jaw problems: A tongue tie may lead your child to push out their jaw to eat and speak easier or have an abnormally high-arched palate. This can lead to jaw problems and pain if left untreated.
- Acid reflux: Your child may experience acid reflux with a tongue tie due to improper chewing. The acid that travels from the stomach to the esophagus can wear away at the enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to cavities and decay.
With these potential complications that can arise due to tongue tie, it is crucial to address the issue before it progresses and causes other problems. Our team at Rockland Dental Specialists can provide early intervention and determine the best treatment for your child’s tongue tie.
How is Tongue Tie Treated?
In most cases, a tongue tie is treated with a procedure called a frenectomy. This is a short, minimally invasive treatment that gives your child’s tongue a full range of motion and involves the following steps:
- Consultation: In a consultation before the frenectomy, we conduct a careful examination and discuss the frenectomy, so you know what to expect during and after the treatment.
- Frenulum removal: We treat a tongue tie with the latest laser technology called LightScalpel. This is a dental carbon dioxide laser that precisely targets the frenulum, produces no blood, minimizes discomfort, and promotes fast healing.
This procedure typically takes 30 minutes or less. With this quick and simple treatment, your child has a significantly lower risk of developing potential dental problems, including gum disease, decay, and gaps. At Rockland Dental Specialists, we do not treat children between nine months and seven years of age for a tongue tie.
Reach Out to the Knowledgeable Team at Rockland Dental Specialists to Learn More About Addressing Tongue Tie
Affecting nearly 5% of all newborns, tongue tie is a common condition in which a band of tissue attaches the tongue to the mouth floor. Due to the inhibited range of motion this condition causes, it could lead to potential oral health issues if left untreated. With the help of the experienced team at Rockland Dental Specialists, you can address these concerns early and avoid extensive dental work later.
Our kind, caring, and skilled team proudly offers New City, NY patients the high-quality care they deserve. In addition to these services, we provide complimentary insurance verifications and personalized payment plans tailored to your budget. To schedule a consultation and learn more about available tongue tie treatment options, call us at (845) 400-9205 or fill out our contact form.
