If you have an infant at home, you might have heard that you should sleep when the baby does. However, if your little one cries frequently throughout the day and night, no one in your household is likely getting any rest.
Although crying is common, if your little one has episodes that last longer than most and there’s no obvious root cause, they might be suffering from colic associated with a lip or tongue-tie. If you’re unsure whether this could be the culprit behind your baby’s frustration, continue reading to learn more about it!
What is Colic?
This condition can impact infants as early as a few weeks old and can last until they’re three to four months. It’s characterized by excessive or inconsolable wailing for no apparent reason and lasts more than three hours per day for three days per week over at least three weeks.
Although it can be incredibly exhausting and frustrating, it’s not usually due to a major health problem. It’s often due to gas or intestinal discomfort due to their still-developing digestive system, meaning that they’ll likely grow out of it after a few months.
What are Lip and Tongue-Ties?
Your kid’s upper lip and tongue each have a strip of flesh, or frenulum, that connects them to the surrounding tissues. This band typically has enough range of motion that they can use their lips and tongue normally. However, if the tissue is too short, tight, or thick, it can interfere with their oral and general health.
For example, they might struggle to latch during feedings as a baby and then experience challenges eating from utensils as a toddler. They might also experience speech impediments or dental alignment issues as they grow.
Do Lip and Tongue-Ties Contribute to Colic?
It can be particularly hard on parents when their baby cries uncontrollably and can’t yet communicate why. If you’re worried whether your child’s lip or tongue-tie is contributing to their gassy tummy, you might be on the right track.
For instance, if your little one can’t form a tight enough seal to nurse, they will swallow excess air with each swallow. This can lead to painful bloating or gas that only exacerbates their already tender tummy.
Furthermore, babies who struggle to latch are less likely to consume enough milk to feel full. They’re still hungry even immediately after their meal, which is enough to make anyone feel extra cranky. Their prolonged frustration can cause bouts of screaming as stress hormones are released into their system.
Thankfully, your pediatric dentist treats lip or tongue-ties with a laser frenectomy that releases the tension on the frenulum to restore a full range of motion to prevent colic!
Meet the Author
Dr. Amar Singh is passionate about guiding still-developing smiles by providing procedures to address lip and tongue-ties that interfere with their oral health. He earned his dental doctorate at Howard University College of Dentistry and then began a pediatric residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Today, he’s a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you can trust that your child is in good hands. He uses state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort while delivering quick and efficient treatment results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (215) 874- 3787.