What Are Oral Ties?

Oral ties refer to conditions where the tongue or lip is restricted by a piece of tissue, which can affect a child’s oral function. The two main types are:

1. Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): This occurs when the lingual frenulum, the tissue connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short, thick, or tight. This restricts the tongue’s range of motion.
2. Lip Tie: This happens when the labial frenulum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum, is similarly restrictive. This can limit the movement of the upper lip.

Effects of Oral Ties

Oral ties can have various impacts on a child’s health and development:

1. Feeding Difficulties

• Breastfeeding Challenges: Tongue ties can make it difficult for babies to latch properly, leading to ineffective feeding and inadequate milk transfer. This can result in poor weight gain and difficulties for both mother and child.
• Bottle Feeding Issues: Babies with tongue or lip ties may also struggle with bottle feeding, leading to excessive air intake and discomfort.

2. Speech Development

• Speech Delays: Restricted tongue movement can affect a child’s ability to produce certain sounds, leading to speech delays or articulation issues.
• Communication Barriers: These speech difficulties can impact a child’s ability to communicate effectively, potentially affecting their social development.

3. Oral Health Problems

• Dental Issues: Tongue and lip ties can contribute to dental problems, including an increased risk of cavities due to tooth gaps and open mouth posture. Closed mouth posture is important so that saliva can continue to protect teeth against bacteria. 
• Breathing and Sleep Issues: Restricted oral tissues can affect oral posture, potentially leading to breathing and sleep problems, such as mouth breathing, snoring, or even sleep apnea.

How to Treat Oral Ties

Treatment for oral ties typically involves a procedure to release the restrictive tissue, allowing for improved function and mobility. Here are the steps involved:

1. Diagnosis

• Professional Evaluation: If you suspect your child has a tongue or lip tie, schedule an appointment with a specialized pediatric dentist with proper training. Dr. Nora specializes in identifying and treating oral ties in infants, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.

2. Treatment Options

• Frenectomy: This is a procedure where the restrictive tissue is cut or lasered to release the tie. It can be done using a scalpel, scissors, or laser. At Dr. Nora’s office, a state-of-the-art CO2 laser is used for its precision, minimal bleeding, and faster healing.

3. Post-Treatment Care

• Exercises and Therapy: Before the procedure, Dr. Nora coaches parents on the specific exercises and stretches to ensure proper healing and to improve the range of motion.
• Pain Management: There are various methods to ensure the best pain management for your child when healing. With the first five days being the most uncomfortable, Dr. Nora provides an extensive guide with homeopathic or medicinal ways to provide relief for your child.
• Follow-Up Visits: Follow-up visits will help monitor your child’s progress and ensure the procedure’s success.