Have A Tongue Tied Infant? What You Should Know

Have you recently been told by a pediatrician that your infant is tongue tied? A tongue tie is another name for a short frenulum, which is a tissue attached to both the tongue and the surface of the mouth directly underneath the tongue. A person who is tongue tied has a shorter frenulum that makes it more difficult for them to move their tongue as freely as they may want to. Treatment options are available for this condition and it is something that should be properly taken care of as soon as possible to prevent more problems for your infant in the future.

Common Problems Associated With Tongue Ties

If you have decided you would like to breastfeed, you may have been unable to get your infant to latch on. Babies with tongue ties often have trouble latching on to the nipple because they are unable to extend their tongue. As a result, you may feel upset that you are missing out on an irreplaceable bonding moment with your little one.

Although tongue tied babies often have trouble breastfeeding, this condition can cause even more problems for your child in the future. If you do not seek treatment, there is a chance your child will suffer from speech delays as he or she gets older. Because your child will be unable to move his or her tongue around as freely as someone with a longer frenulum, it could become hard to pronounce certain words. Your child could fall behind in the speech development stages.

As your child becomes a toddler, it will get even more challenging for both of you if he or she cannot communicate properly. You may not be able to understand what your child wants or needs, causing your toddler to become increasingly frustrated. The lack of communication could even lead to more tantrums.

There are other issues caused by a short frenulum. It can make it more difficult to chew certain types of food properly. It may even cause more dental problems for some people who never receive treatment.

Treating the Condition: What to Expect

A frenectomy is the best way to treat a tongue tie. It is a simple procedure that may only take a few minutes. During the procedure, the frenum gets removed. It was originally performed with the use of surgical scissors or a scalpel, but many professionals are now using lasers to complete this treatment safely and efficiently in only a matter of minutes.

You may be able to hold your baby during the procedure, keeping him or her comfortable throughout the entire process. You can also breastfeed directly after the procedure, which may be comforting to your little one.

If you have found out your infant has a short frenulum, it is important to take action. A frenectomy is the best solution for this condition. If you do not take action, your little one could have trouble breastfeeding, talking and even eating in the future. For more information, visit http://www.vfdental.com.

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