Being the parent of a toddler can be as joyful as it is challenging. Whether you’re working on potty training or eating meals with utensils, there are plenty of new skills to develop. However, if your little one has a lip tie, their condition can cause unique concerns you need to be aware of.
Continue reading to learn more about how their oral status can affect their quality of life and what you can do about it!
What is a Lip Tie?
An estimated 5% of children are born with this condition, in which the skin of the upper lip is overly attached to the gums which limits its range of motion.
This can make it difficult for infants to latch during breastfeeding because they can’t create a firm enough suction. They end up swallowing more air, which leads to reflux, gassy tummies, and challenges gaining weight. To make matters worse, if it’s never addressed, it can continue to impact them as they grow.
Is a Lip Tie Dangerous to My Toddler’s Dental Health?
A lip tie can detract from your toddler’s oral health in a few different ways, which are outlined in more detail below for your convenience:
- Tooth decay. Their lip makes it easy for milk or bits of food to get trapped in the upper teeth and gums, attracting bacteria that contribute to cavities. It’s also harder to thoroughly brush their upper front teeth because the surface area is less accessible.
- Gum disease. It’s also possible for your little one to develop receding gums if germs are able to gather between their teeth and gums and the back of their lip.
- Challenges using utensils. Eating food effectively from spoons and forks with a limited range of motion can be difficult.
- Picky eaters. Your child might develop specific food preferences based on how easily they can be consumed.
- Diastema. If the connective tissue wraps around the gums between the teeth, it can leave them with a gap that impacts your child’s appearance and dental health.
How Are Lip Ties Treated?
Thankfully, if your toddler is suffering from this condition, the solution is relatively simple. Your pediatric dentist can perform a frenectomy that removes the excess tissue with minimal invasion. Using a special laser scalpel, they sever the overly restrictive band so their lips can move more freely. This method instantly cauterizes the area so your little one experiences little to no bleeding or discomfort.
As you can see, getting a frenectomy to fix your child’s lip tie can help them develop a happy, healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Amar Singh takes pride in helping address lip and tongue ties in children so they can grow strong teeth and gums. He earned his dental doctorate at Howard University College of Dentistry and is now a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, so you know your child’s grin is in good hands. He understands that many families are nervous about frenectomies, so he takes the time to listen to your needs and concerns to ensure it’s the best solution. Then, he utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to deliver swift but effective results. If you’re worried about your toddler’s lip tie, you can request an appointment on the website or call (215) 874-3787.