Lip ties occur when there is an excessive attachment between the upper lip and gums, specifically where frenulum, the small connective tissue between lip and gum, is too tight or attached too high on the upper gum line. With this condition, breastfeeding or eating solid foods becomes difficult, speech impediments arise, and dental issues could even emerge over time.
Debate continues about whether a child with lip tie needs corrective surgery. Your decision on this will depend on its severity and symptoms. Some key points should be kept in mind when making your decision:
Severity of Lip Ties
Lip ties come in various degrees of severity and can have different outcomes; mild cases may only cause minor discomfort without needing surgical intervention, while severe cases may create significant oral health concerns and require corrective surgery for correction.
Age of the Child
When making decisions to correct lip ties in children, age should also be an important factor. Mild lip ties that don’t cause significant discomfort may resolve themselves naturally over time as children grow; however, severe lip ties causing significant discomfort may require early correction to avoid long-term oral health issues.
Symptoms
Common lip tie symptoms for children can include difficulty breastfeeding, speech impediments, and dental issues. If these are present for your child, seeking corrective surgery in order to avoid long-term complications may be necessary.
Here are some of the symptoms and consequences:
- Experience difficulty latching while breastfeeding, which can result in feeding issues and poor weight gain for the infant
- Speech disorders, particularly with specific sounds that require using the upper lip
- Protracted dental development and hygiene issues are likely due to the limited movement of the upper lip
- Poor oral hygiene often results in dental decay and cavities
- Gum recession and periodontal disease due to tension on tissues are among the many consequences of stress on them
- Misalignment of teeth due to lip ties may require orthodontic treatment later in life
If you are concerned that your child has a lip tie, consulting a pediatrician or dentist is crucial to assess and provide guidance on treatment options. They will be able to evaluate its severity as well as suggest potential solutions.
Overall, deciding to correct your child’s lip tie depends on a few factors, including the severity of the condition, the child’s age, what symptoms the child is having, and a consultation with medical professionals. As parents or caregivers, it’s crucial that we prioritize oral health in our child for long-term wellbeing.
At Wing Dental, we utilize The LightScalpel laser. Its technology is used by pediatric dentists and ENTs to perform frenectomies and correct lip ties safely and efficiently, without discomfort, bleeding, or scarring compared to traditional methods. This quick and efficient procedure can be completed quickly in-office without downtime or recovery periods required, making this an attractive solution for parents looking for optimal care for their children.
With Wing Dental’s expert and compassionate approach to frenectomy care, patients can rest easy knowing they’re in safe hands.
