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Tongue and lip ties are relatively common conditions that can affect infants and young children. While they may seem minor, untreated tongue and lip ties can lead to difficulties with feeding, speech, and even oral health. At 91�Թ��� in Chicago, we specialize in identifying and treating these conditions with the latest techniques, including the gentle CO2 laser frenectomy. In this blog, we’ll explain what tongue and lip ties are, how they can impact your child, and how early treatment can help.

What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?

Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)

A tongue tie occurs when the band of tissue (called the frenulum) under the tongue is too tight or short, limiting the tongue's movement. This can make it difficult for infants to latch properly while breastfeeding and can affect speech and eating in older children.

Lip Tie

A lip tie is similar but involves the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gum. When this frenulum is too tight, it can restrict the movement of the upper lip and cause issues with breastfeeding, tooth alignment, and oral hygiene as your child grows.

Both tongue and lip ties are congenital, meaning they’re present from birth, and they can vary in severity.

How Tongue and Lip Ties Can Affect Your Child

If left untreated, tongue and lip ties can cause a variety of issues, both in infancy and as your child grows. Here's how:

Feeding Difficulties in Infants

• Breastfeeding Challenges: A tongue tie can make it difficult for an infant to latch onto the breast correctly, leading to poor milk intake, painful feeding, and frustration for both the baby and the mother.
• Bottle Feeding Issues: A lip tie may cause difficulty forming a proper seal around the bottle, which can lead to excess air intake, causing gas and discomfort.

Speech and Oral Function in Older Children

• Speech Delays: A restricted tongue can affect your child’s ability to pronounce certain sounds, potentially leading to speech delays.
• Eating Difficulties: As your child grows, a tongue tie can make it harder to eat certain foods, especially those that require more tongue mobility, such as chewing or swallowing solid foods.
• Oral Hygiene Issues: A lip tie can make it difficult for your child to properly clean their teeth, leading to an increased risk of cavities and gum issues.

Signs That Your Child May Have a Tongue or Lip Tie

Identifying tongue and lip ties early can help prevent complications down the road. Here are some signs that your child may be affected:

Signs of a Tongue Tie:

• Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
• Gumming or chewing instead of sucking during feedings.
• Clicking sounds while breastfeeding.
• Speech difficulties, particularly with sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r.”
• Problems with swallowing food or drinks.

Signs of a Lip Tie:

• Difficulty forming a proper seal during breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
• Visible gap between the upper two front teeth, even in early childhood.
• Difficulty cleaning the teeth, especially the front teeth, leading to plaque buildup.

If you notice any of these signs, a consultation with a pediatric dentist or lactation consultant is recommended.

Treatment: CO2 Laser Frenectomy

The most effective treatment for both tongue and lip ties is a frenectomy, a simple procedure that releases the restricted tissue. At 91�Թ���, we use CO2 laser technology to perform frenectomies. This method is quick, minimally invasive, and offers several benefits:

• Less Discomfort: The CO2 laser cauterizes the tissue as it cuts, reducing bleeding and minimizing pain.
• Faster Healing: Laser treatment promotes faster healing with minimal swelling or discomfort.
• Precision: The laser allows Dr. Jessica Vargas to remove the tissue with precision, ensuring the procedure is as effective as possible.

The frenectomy procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and most children experience minimal discomfort afterward. We offer gentle sedation options like happy gas (nitrous oxide) for children who may feel anxious during the procedure.

Aftercare and Recovery

The recovery time after a frenectomy is usually quick. Most children resume normal activities within a day or two. Here’s what to expect:

• Mild Discomfort: It’s common for your child to experience mild discomfort or soreness for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Follow-Up Care: We’ll provide you with specific aftercare instructions, including exercises to help your child regain full range of motion in the tongue or lip. These exercises can help prevent the tissue from reattaching too quickly.
• Monitoring Progress: We may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure healing is progressing as expected and that the full benefits of the procedure are achieved.

Why Choose 91�Թ��� for Frenectomies?

At 91�Թ���, we’re committed to providing the highest level of care in a child-friendly, welcoming environment. Dr. Jessica Vargas and our team are experienced in diagnosing and treating tongue and lip ties with the latest techniques. We use gentle, minimally invasive methods to ensure your child is comfortable and that their treatment is as effective as possible.

By addressing tongue and lip ties early, we can help your child avoid future complications, including feeding difficulties, speech problems, and oral health issues. If you suspect that your child may have a tongue or lip tie, don’t wait—contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?

If you’ve noticed feeding difficulties, speech delays, or other signs of a tongue or lip tie, we’re here to help. At 91�Թ���, we provide gentle, effective treatment to help your child reach their full potential. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a CO2 laser frenectomy can benefit your child’s health and happiness!