Healthcare professionals and pediatric dentists support breastfeeding to foster the health and development of infants. Besides the benefits of nursing, you might have also heard that breastfeeding is painful. Successful nursing doesn’t happen overnight, but it should be pain-free. It’s normal to have some minor issues along the way, like pain. While some discomfort can be caused by poor latching, it can also be a sign of a lip or tongue tie. Here’s what you need to know to determine if your nipple pain is a symptom of a more serious problem.
Breastfeeding and Nipple Pain
If your nipples are sore or cracked from breastfeeding, it can be caused by a poor position or improper latching. Nursing should be comfortable for both you and your little one. If practicing positions and latching techniques aren’t providing any relief, it’s time to take a look inside your infant’s mouth.
A lip or tongue tie can make nursing difficult for your child, which can result in sore nipples for you. Thankfully, the abnormality is easy to treat to allow normal lip and tongue movements to support your baby’s development.
Understanding Lip and Tongue Ties
Ankyloglossia, better known as “tongue-tie,” is a condition that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. It’s present at birth and is caused by the lingual frenulum being too thick, tight, or short. The band of tissue underneath the tongue can stop your little one from eating, speaking, and swallowing correctly. A lip-tie is similar. The band of tissue underneath the upper lip can affect lip movements, which can harm their development over time.
Breastfeeding issues can be the first signs of a problem. Your bundle of joy may chew on your nipples, rather than suck on them. Therefore, they may not get enough nutrition to thrive and you can deal with significant nipple pain.
If the issue isn’t addressed, your child can have speech difficulties, poor oral hygiene, and nutritional complications as they develop.
Treating Tongue and Lip-Tie
Contrary to what you might have heard, the tissue will not “stretch out” over time. Thankfully, it won’t require an invasive surgery to correct either. A pediatric dentist can use a soft tissue laser to cut the band to free the tongue or lip. This method is less invasive than a scalpel or scissors. There’s less risk of pain, infections, bleeding, and swelling.
If your infant isn’t latching properly, it is time to contact their pediatrician or pediatric dentist to have their mouth evaluated. They’ll inform you if any additional treatment is needed.
About Dr. Layne Benzley
Dr. Benzley earned his dental degree from the University of Iowa and earned a dental specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Benzley has the training and qualifications to perform frenectomies. Schedule an appointment through his website or call (720) 770-5058.
