Nurturing your baby is one of the most beautiful experiences. Seeing them flourish as you tend to their needs brings so much joy. However, you may have struggled to care for your little one during breastfeeding due to a tongue tie. Unfortunately, this issue can continue as children begin to eat solid foods. But there’s good news! Your specialist dentist can help your baby with their tongue tie issue so they can get the nourishment they need to grow healthy and strong. Read on to learn more about the connection between tongue ties and eating solid foods, as well as treatment options.
What is Tongue Tie?
The tongue is made up of almost entirely muscle fibers. There is a string of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. These tissues are called the lingual frenum. When the lingual frenum is too short, tight, or thick, the tongue movement becomes limited. This is what is called tongue tie, or ankyloglossia.
When a baby suffers from a tongue tie, they may have trouble latching on to the breast while nursing. As they grow and begin to eat solid foods, it can also impact their ability to correctly handle the food in their mouth and swallow it. As a result, they may not be getting adequate nutrition due to the fact they aren’t taking in all their food, or they simply will want to eat less. Additionally, their oral function issues can impact their ability to speak and even lead to dental issues, such as teeth gapping or misalignment.
How Does it Impact Your Child Eating Solid Foods?
Once you begin introducing solid foods to your baby, you may notice they are not swallowing all the foods you are feeding them. Due to the inability to move the food on their tongue correctly, it may fall to the side of the mouth. You may find they are also spitting it out. Their tongue tie is not allowing the solid foods to get to the back of the mouth; rather than pushing the meal down, it is putting it back out of the mouth.
This can lead to your little one becoming a very picky eater. The process of eating is just too difficult, so they will only gravitate to certain things that are easier for them to enjoy. Also, since it is hard to clear food off their little teeth or lips, they are at a greater chance of dental decay or gum issues.
How Can Your Specialty Dentist Help with Tongue Tie?
Luckily, a lip and tongue specialist can help your child achieve great oral function! With advancements in dental technology, it has made it easier to treat this common condition. Laser frenectomy is a common treatment. The laser will loosen the tongue tissue and allow for better movement. It is incredibly precise and accurate…as well as safe and comfortable!
If your child has a tongue tie issue, there is help available. With the help of a tongue tie specialist, they can not only be able to enjoy a wide range of solid foods, but their smile can continue to grow happily and healthily!
About the Author
Dr. Andrea Csok and her team at Cleveland Tongue-Tie Center are eager to help your child with any lip or tongue tie issues. She extensively studied specific treatments for these disorders through Dr. Baxter’s Tongue-Tie Academy and she is also an active member of the Tongue-Tied Academy. With personal knowledge from her own and her children’s struggles, she can compassionately and accurately help your child with their oral issues with advanced technology and a customized plan. To schedule a consultation, contact her through her website or call (216) 292-2277.