Tongue-Tied? We Can Help!
by Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S.
Read Tongue-Tied? We Can Help! by Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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As a long-standing family dental practice in Coconut Grove, FL, we feel it is important to not only give our amazing residents great advice and tips to better oral health but to provide you solutions for some uncommon challenges. One challenge that many families have asked us about over our thirty years is a condition called “tongue-tied” or “lip-tied”. If this tongue- or lip-tie is present we encourage you to speak with us.
Why Does A Lip- or Tongue-Tie Occur?
A lip- or tongue-tie occurs when a thin tissue in the mouth called a frenum is overgrown. There are two kinds of frena in the mouth, labial (lip) frena and the lingual (tongue) frenum. The labial frena can be found in the center of the lips, connecting the inside of your upper and lower lips to the gum tissue. You can see the tongue frenum by looking in the mirror and lifting your tongue up to touch the roof of your mouth.
The purpose of the frenum is to limit certain muscle movements to prevent tissue damage. When the frenum tissue is excessive, however, it has the potential to do more harm than good.
Challenges That Present As The Result Of A Tongue-Tie
Simply, when a tongue-tie is present it restricts the tongue and prevents it from moving freely. Tongue-ties may be moderate, resulting in only small inconveniences like not being able to lick an ice cream cone. In some cases, however, they cause severe impairments such as:
- Difficulty nursing as an infant and eating later in life
- Speech impediments
- Pain and discomfort
- Tongue thrust and bite misalignment
- Make it difficult for children to keep their teeth clean
- Lead to periodontal issues, such as receding gums
- Result in misaligned teeth and bite (usually gap teeth)
A Simple Solution for Tongue- and Lip-Ties
One simple and safe solution is a frenectomy. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that can be performed by a dental professional who will remove excess tissue on the frenum. It is important to seek advice from a trusted dentist before performing a frenectomy, as they will take into account several factors, including the possibility that the condition may correct itself over time.
Ready To Help!
If you’re concerned about a possible lip-tie or tongue-tie in yourself or your child, schedule an appointment with us today. We’d be more than happy to answer your questions and together, we’ll determine the best way to move forward!
Thank you for trusting us with your oral health concerns!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
For Your Health,
Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S.
