Have you ever known that a problem with the tongue can interfere with speaking and even brushing your teeth? This is a condition known as tongue-tie. In this blog, will first define what tongue-tie is and how it affects oral hygiene as well as why it should be treated as early as possible, especially in children.
What is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie also called ankyloglossia is a condition whereby the frenulum under the tongue is tight or shorter than it should be. This is because the tongue does not have the mobility that it requires to function well. For the majority of people this condition is benign and does not present any complications. However if left unattended it can affect both the ability to speak and even the state of one’s teeth and gums.
Newborn Tongue Tie Symptoms
Tongue-tie can often be noticed at birth. In newborns, it can cause feeding difficulties since the baby may struggle to latch onto the breast properly. This can result in sore nipples for the mother and slow weight gain for the baby. If your baby is having trouble feeding or moving the tongue, it could be due to tongue-tie. If you suspect tongue-tie, consider seeking tongue tie surgery near you to address the issue early and improve feeding.
Tongue Tie Symptoms Infants
In children, tongue-tie may result in difficulties with feeding on solid foods or with proper pronouncing of words when the child starts speaking. In infants some of the signs of tongue-tie include the inability to move the tongue from side to side or to pull the tongue up to the palate. These challenges can lead to frustration and consequently delayed speech development.
Why Does Tongue-Tie Matter?
If tongue-tie is not treated, it can lead to various complications, particularly in children. The main issues are related to oral hygiene and speech. Let’s explore both:
Impact on Oral Hygiene
Since the tongue’s movement is restricted in those with tongue-tie, maintaining good oral hygiene becomes difficult. Here are some common oral hygiene problems related to untreated tongue-tie:
- Harder to Clean Teeth: The tongue plays a key role in removing food debris and plaque from the mouth. Limited tongue movement makes it hard to clean all areas of the mouth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Bad Breath: When food particles remain trapped in the mouth and are not properly cleaned, bacteria build-up, leading to bad breath.
- Difficulty with Dental Visits: Children with tongue-tie may experience more anxiety during dental visits due to pain or discomfort. Poor oral hygiene may require additional interventions, making dental visits stressful for both the child and the dentist.
- Gum Disease: If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease, characterized by inflamed gums, pain, and in severe cases, tooth loss.
Impact on Speech
In addition to oral hygiene issues, tongue-tie can impact speech development:
- Speech Clarity: Children with tongue-tie may have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, such as “t,” “d,” “s,” and “z.” This can result in slurred speech or difficulty articulating words.
- Frustration in Communication: Difficulty speaking clearly can lead to frustration, making it harder for children to express themselves and build social relationships. This can affect their ability to communicate with others and form friendships.
- Delayed Speech Development: If tongue-tie is not addressed early, it may result in delayed speech development. Children might not start talking on time or may have trouble keeping up with their peers in terms of language skills.
How is Tongue-Tie Treated?
The good news is that tongue-tie can be treated. The most common treatment is a minor surgical procedure called a frenectomy. This procedure involves cutting the tight frenulum to allow the tongue to move freely.
After the surgery, children may require therapy with a speech-language professional. This helps them learn how to use their tongue effectively for speaking and feeding.
Say Goodbye to Tongue-Tie Problems Today!
At SCV Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we make your child’s dental care easy and stress-free. Our team of kids dentists near you are dedicated to ensuring your little one’s smile stays healthy and bright. We have expertise in treating tongue-tie and other oral health issues, helping your child speak and eat with ease. Visit us today and let us take care of your child’s smile.
