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A lip tie in infants is a small piece of tissue in the mouth. This tie can be either short or long, and variations can lead to various problems. It is important to address this condition, especially when identified in infancy.
So, what can an abnormal tie cause? Let’s explore the details in the following sections.
What is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie is a piece of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. There are also ties under the tongue and at the corners of the cheeks. All of this soft tissue is referred to as frenulum.
The frenulum tissue is not the same in everyone, and there can be slight differences.
However, if it is significantly longer or shorter than normal, it can cause various issues. This situation is commonly seen in many individuals.
What Problems Can a Lip Tie Cause in Infants?
Parents often wonder what problems can arise from a lip tie in infants and how it can be treated. Let’s first look at the issues this condition can create.
An abnormal frenulum can lead to the following problems:
- If the tie is shorter than normal, infants may experience difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle.
- If the tie cannot perform its function, milk can accumulate around the baby's teeth while feeding, leading to cavities.
- There may be long-term feeding difficulties, resulting in developmental delays.
- Swelling of the lips may occur.
How Can I Tell if My Baby Has a Lip Tie Problem?
Typically, an examination of the upper lip is not performed on infants, so it may take time to notice these issues. What signs should you look for to suspect a tie problem in your baby?
If your baby has difficulty latching onto the breast, this may indicate a short tie.
Additionally, if the baby has digestive problems, this may also stem from the same issue. Tie problems can hinder the baby's ability to feed properly.
What Should Be Done About Lip Tie Problems in Infants?
After noticing various problems in your baby, you might suspect a lip tie issue. In such cases, you should avoid self-diagnosing.
You can consult a healthcare professional, pediatric dentist, or lactation consultant to determine if there is an issue. Pediatricians will examine the baby's lips, cheeks, and soft tissues inside the mouth.
If a problem is identified, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. This helps prevent your child from experiencing long-term digestive issues. Additionally, problems with the tie can lead to serious oral and dental health problems.
If these issues go untreated, they can result in cavities and gum disease.
How is Lip Tie Treatment Performed?
The length or shortness of the frenulum can be observed in many individuals. If the tie is close to normal, it usually does not pose a problem, and individuals can continue their daily lives.
However, in some cases, the tie needs correction. Specialists can use laser or surgical techniques to perform treatment.
A frenectomy can be completed in just a few minutes.
Particularly when performed with a laser, both pain and procedure time are minimized. The healing process is faster, and the risk of infection is reduced. For these reasons, laser surgery is recommended for young children.
Why is the Lip Tie Cut?
When the lip tie is longer than normal, various problems can arise. Children may experience feeding difficulties, deterioration of oral and dental health, and even speech disorders. As a result, a healthcare professional may recommend a frenectomy.
When Should a Lip Tie Be Cut?
A frenectomy is not performed on everyone. In some cases, even if the tie deviates from the norm, it may not pose a problem in daily life. In such cases, surgical intervention is unnecessary.
However, if a child has feeding problems, difficulty latching onto the breast, or speech issues, a frenectomy may be necessary.
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Does Lip Tie Resolve on Its Own?
A lip tie does not resolve on its own. If it is suspected that the tie deviates from the norm, immediate treatment is recommended. This helps prevent serious speech and feeding disorders that could arise in your child.
Advantages of Laser Frenectomy
A frenectomy is the surgical removal or correction of the tie on the tongue or lip. This procedure can also be performed using laser technology.
When a frenectomy is performed with a laser, it takes a short time, and there is no bleeding. Healing occurs quickly, and the risk of infection is low.
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