According to published data, up to 8 percent of babies are born with a tongue or lip tie.
Tongue ties in babies can affect oral development and their ability to latch onto the nipple during feedings. These ties can lead to fussiness, weight loss, and failure to thrive. In older children, they can interfere with speech development.
My dental team and I are dedicated to helping your little one reach their milestones and enjoy comfortable and non-fussy feeding times. For these reasons, we offer lip and tongue-tie treatment in Indianapolis.
About Tongue and Lip Ties
A tongue tie means there is a tight piece of skin beneath the tongue that prevents free or purposeful movement of this appendage. A lip tie means the frenum (area above the eventual location of two front teeth) also has a tight area of skin that interferes with feedings and development.
What Parents Should Know Before Speech Therapy
Specific speech therapies may be more beneficial following a tongue or lip tie release.
Speech therapy for your child may include:
- Myofunctional Therapy
- Compensatory Habit Removal
- Retraining and Release Exercises
Speech therapy is designed to support your child pre- and post-frenectomy.
How I Treat Tongue and Lip Ties
Typically, I can release the tie using gentle laser therapy. This is far gentler than scalpels and sutures. Your child will experience little to no bleeding, a faster treatment, and typically no sutures.
There may be mild irritation for a few days, but this is easily treatable with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Lasers are synonymous with precision and faster recoveries.
For Laser Dentistry in Indianapolis, Contact My Dental Team
If you suspect a tongue or lip tie in your infant or child, and if it’s interfering with function, I urge you to contact my dental office to arrange an appointment.
I work with CareCredit financing, a range of insurance plans, and offer my own membership package for the uninsured.