Everyone has pieces of tissue that connect their lip and tongue to their mouth called “frenulum.” But some kids are born with too much tissue, which can restrict their oral movement and make certain everyday tasks challenging. This condition (known as a lip- or tongue-tie, depending on where the excess tissue is), can be difficult to spot if you’re not a pediatric dentist. Be on the lookout for these four subtle signs of a lip- or tongue-tie – they could mean that your child needs a frenectomy.
#1: Trouble Eating
Children can be picky when it comes to meals, and infants can be particularly fussy. However, your child’s reluctance to eat could be due to a lip- or tongue-tie. If they don’t have a full range of oral movement, they may have trouble swallowing, keeping their food in their mouth, or latching while breastfeeding.
#2: Speech Difficulties
Both the lips and tongue are important for forming the sounds used in speech. In English, “T,” “Th,” “S,” and “Z” sounds are especially difficult to pronounce if your child’s tongue can’t quite reach their teeth. Of course, speech difficulties can be a symptom of many different things, but it’s worth having your pediatric dentist check for excess frenula.
#3: Breathing with Their Mouth Open
If your child frequently breathes with their mouth open, their upper lip might be restricted by overly tightened tissue. This can prevent their mouth from properly closing. Aside from being slightly uncomfortable, open mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, which is associated with an increased risk of cavities. A quick frenectomy could help your child breathe more naturally and protect their smile from oral health issues.
#4: A Gap Between Their Two Front Teeth
The same frenula that can cause open mouth breathing can also put some strain on your child’s dental structure. Because the tissue are tightly stretched across their upper lip and gums, their two front teeth might respond by splitting apart and forming a gap. If the frenula aren’t removed, their other pearly whites might also start to shift, and your child could very well need orthodontic treatment in the future.
The signs of a lip- or tongue-tie aren’t always obvious, but fortunately, your pediatric dentist can help you monitor your child’s oral health. That’s the beauty of scheduling a checkup every six months! If your pediatric dentist notices something you didn’t catch or couldn’t see, they’ll let you know straightaway and help you choose the best treatment for your little one.
About the Author
Dr. Amar Singh is a board-certified pediatric dentist in Southampton. He specializes in lip- and tongue-tie treatments, and is even a proud member of the American Laser Study Club. If you suspect your child might have a lip- or tongue-tie, Dr. Singh will gladly take a closer look and, when necessary, perform a safe and comfortable frenectomy for your little one. To schedule an appointment, you can call his office directly at 215-874-3787 or submit your request online.