Is a Frenectomy Impacting Your Child’s Development?
As parents, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by unexplained challenges your child may be facing—especially when those challenges show up in different areas like feeding, sleep, or speech. But sometimes, these struggles can be traced back to something very small that often goes unnoticed: a tongue or lip tie.
What Is a Tongue or Lip Tie?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is when the thin band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight or short. A lip tie involves a similar restriction under the upper lip. While these conditions are common, they can interfere with essential oral functions.
Because the tongue plays a major role in how your child eats, breathes, speaks, and even sleeps, a restriction in its movement can have far-reaching effects on their development.
Signs to Look For
Many parents don’t realize their child has a tongue or lip tie until symptoms become more obvious. Some signs to watch for include:
Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
Clicking sounds while feeding
Gassiness, colic, or reflux-like symptoms
Speech delays or articulation problems
Mouth breathing or snoring during sleep
Struggles with eating certain textures
These symptoms often lead to frustration, stress, and confusion for parents who are just trying to help their child feel better and thrive.
How Alpine Pediatric Dentistry Can Help
At Alpine Pediatric Dentistry in Lincolnton, NC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tongue and lip ties using state-of-the-art laser technology. Dr. Warren performs a procedure called a frenectomy, which uses a gentle dental laser to release the restrictive tissue.
Unlike traditional surgical approaches, our laser frenectomy method:
Minimizes discomfort for the child
Requires no general anesthesia or sutures
Offers a shorter recovery time
Is completed in-office in just a few minutes
What sets us apart is not just our technology, but our comprehensive care model. We work closely with lactation consultants, pediatricians, feeding therapists, and speech-language pathologists to ensure your child’s care is well-coordinated from start to finish.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Treating tongue or lip ties early can help children:
Feed more effectively and gain weight appropriately
Sleep more soundly and breathe more easily
Develop clearer speech and better oral habits
Avoid future dental or orthodontic complications
We believe that no concern is too small when it comes to your child’s health and happiness. If you’ve noticed symptoms or suspect an oral restriction might be affecting your child, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we can determine if a frenectomy could be the missing piece in your child’s developmental puzzle.
Let’s support your child’s growth, one small but powerful step at a time.
