As a parent, it can be very exciting to watch your child grow and develop from infancy into a boisterous, bouncing toddler. There are so many momentous ‘firsts’ to look forward to at this stage, like their earliest steps as they learn to walk or their transition into eating solid foods. If your little one has a lip tie, however, they might also experience their first oral issues, too. Keep reading to learn more about how this condition impacts your child and what you can do about it!
What is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie refers to the condition in which the band of tissue connecting your upper gums to your inner lip is too thick or short and restricts the movement of your upper lip. In general, it can affect a person’s ability to eat and speak because their upper lip is tethered down. Often, it’s diagnosed in newborns when they have trouble latching to nurse correctly, though in many cases it goes unnoticed until they’re a bit older.
Do Lip Ties Contribute to Tooth Decay?
Even if they’ve successfully grown past their breastfeeding stage, your toddler can still be impacted by their lip tie, which has been associated with the development of tooth decay in children. When the lip lacks a certain range of motion, bits of food or milk are much more likely to become trapped in the space between their gums and their teeth. This leads to bacteria buildup that can cause cavities as well as gum disease.
Can My Child Eat Normally with a Lip Tie?
If your toddler is a picky eater from an early age, they may be suffering from a lip tie. Many children with an overly attached upper lip experience challenges learning to eat solid foods. They may have difficulties fully cleaning food off their utensils, for example, or can’t manipulate food in their mouths to chew it properly. As a result, they may become particular in what they like to eat as well as how they consume it.
How Are Lip Ties Treated?
Fortunately, your little one doesn’t have to suffer from this condition throughout their entire life. Their pediatric dentist can perform a brief procedure known as a frenectomy to take care of the issue. They will first numb your child’s gums to avoid any discomfort, then they’ll use a small, handheld laser to remove the piece of skin connecting the lip to the gums. This process is largely pain-free and usually doesn’t result in any bleeding, so your child can eat and drink normally afterward.
Though it may seem like a mere inconvenience, there are some risks to letting your toddler’s lip tie go unaddressed. By having it treated, you gain peace of mind knowing that you’re keeping your child’s grin happy and healthy in the long run!
About the Practice
At Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, your toddler benefits from two experts who provide a wide range of dental services to still-developing smiles. They take the time to get to know patients and their parents so they can create personalized treatment plans to meet the needs of even the most unique children. If your little one has a lip tie and you’re concerned, you’re welcome to request a consultation appointment on the website or by calling (303) 660-5373.
