Lip tie and tongue tie are defects that develop when a baby is still in the womb; they occur when an overly thick band of tissue, known as a frenulum or frenum, restricts proper movement of the oral tissues. Many practitioners have noticed that these issues are becoming significantly more common! What is the reason behind the uptick in diagnoses that has occurred in recent years? How can you tell if your baby may need treatment for lip or tongue tie? This blog post provides valuable information.
Rising Rates of Lip and Tongue Tie Treatment
Although many pediatric dentists and other medical professionals who regularly work with children have reported seeing more cases of lip and tongue tie, it is important to note that this is simply anecdotal information. There is no hard and fast data to establish that these conditions have actually become more common.
However, there must still be a reason behind the increasing number of lip and tongue tie diagnoses. There are at least two possible explanations:
- Increased awareness of lip and tongue tie. Many parents and individuals in the medical community are becoming more educated about these conditions, which means they are more likely to look for them.
- Rising rates of breastfeeding. The high cost of formula and other factors have motivated many moms to choose to breastfeed their babies. Symptoms of lip and tongue tie may be more noticeable when infants are fed this way.
Does Your Child Need Treatment for Lip or Tongue Tie?
It is important to keep in mind that not every single case of lip or tongue tie actually needs treatment. If your child does not have any significant symptoms, they may be able to adapt to their condition and forgo the surgery that is typically used to treat lip and tongue tie.
However, it is still vital that you look for signs of these conditions and bring your child to a qualified dentist for an evaluation. Here are some indications to watch for:
- It is difficult for your baby to latch when breastfeeding.
- Feeding sessions are short and frequent.
- Your baby is colicky.
- As a breastfeeding mother, you have clogged milk ducts, painful nipples, and other troubling symptoms related to feeding sessions.
If your child does need treatment, lip and tongue ties can usually be addressed via simple surgical procedure that takes just a few minutes.
Lip and tongue ties are quite common! Stay alert for signs of these conditions and take appropriate action so your baby can enjoy optimal health.
Meet the Practice
As a mom herself, Dr. Lindsey McElligott has great empathy for families who are dealing with the consequences of lip and tongue tie. She is passionate about helping patients with these conditions, and she has pursued advanced training so she can provide precise and effective treatment. If you believe your child has a lip or tongue tie, schedule a consultation with our team by contacting Northeast Lip & Tongue Tie Center at 781-773-2076.