You’re overjoyed at the realization of being a new parent. You want to do everything you can to make sure your baby is properly cared for; however, you discover that nursing is challenging, and you don’t know why. After doing some research, you begin to learn about lip and tongue-ties and a procedure known as a frenectomy to treat it. However, the information provided is causing more fear and uncertainty than comfort. With so much misinformation available on the internet these days, a trusted lip and tongue-tie expert is here to dispel three common myths so that you can feel confident getting your baby the care they need.
Frenectomies are Not Necessary Procedures
When discovering that your child has a lip or tongue-tie, many individuals claim that it is not necessary to pursue treatment. After all, it’ll likely be something your child will “grow out of” they claim.
However, problems can worsen over time if treatment is neglected. If infants are unable to nurse properly, it can have a negative effect on their growth and development. Malnutrition can cause deficiencies, causing babies to have insufficient weight gain.
In older children, forgoing a frenectomy can result in the inability to swallow certain foods, mouth breathing that is commonly tied to sleep-disordered breathing, and even speech impediments that can cause low self-esteem.
Having your child undergo a frenectomy early on will reduce the chances of more serious problems developing later on that can have a more significant impact on their daily life.
The Process of a Frenectomy is Unsafe
This myth is entirely untrue. Frenectomies are safe procedures when performed by skilled and experienced professionals who have the training needed to administer such care.
Yes, there are indeed risks associated with every type of oral procedure, but because of the advanced technologies used today, the chances of infection or complications are extremely low. Many professionals now use lasers to make the process even safer for patients, no matter their age. And because these lasers can cauterize and sterilize while cutting, there is minimal bleeding and swelling, allowing for a faster recovery time.
It’s Not Uncommon to Experience Painful Breastfeeding
While it is true that the act of breastfeeding can lead to sore nipples because of the unfamiliarity the body has with this type of action, it should not be a painful experience. Typically, when this occurs, it is because the infant is having difficulty latching.
Most instances that involve a poor latch are due to there being a lip or tongue-tie that needs to be released. Seeking the help of a professional can help you to better understand the reason a lip or tongue-tie forms and how treating it can create a more positive breastfeeding journey for you and your baby.
Don’t fall victim to these lies. Instead, meet with a trusted professional who can offer sound advice and information that will help you decide the best path forward for you and your child.
About the Author
Dr. Andrea Csok is a dentist and tongue-tie expert who is also a mother of two. After completing Dr. Baxter’s Tongue-Tie Academy course, she attended the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals conference to better understand the process as well as meet various experts in the field. If your little one is dealing with a restricted tongue-tie, visit our website or call (216) 292-3600 to learn how we can help.