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Treatment Options

Tongue Ties in California | Lip Ties in California

Tongue-Tie

The lingual frenulum (tongue-tie), connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth and can be extremely short or tight. This limits tongue movement. Breastfeeding difficulties in infants, speech difficulties in children, and oral health problems in adults can be caused by this restriction. Chewing, swallowing, and maintaining oral hygiene can be affected. A frenectomy is typically performed to release the restrictive tissue and improve tongue function and oral health.

Lip-Ties

The labial frenulum (the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum) can be too tight or thick, causing a lip-tie. As a result, breastfeeding challenges can arise for infants, including poor latches and insufficient milk intake. Children and adults with lip ties may experience dental issues, speech difficulties, and oral hygiene problems. Frenectomy, similar to tongue-tie treatment, can be performed to release restrictive tissue and enhance lip mobility.

  • Can tongue-tie cause my baby to make a clicking noise while nursing?
    Yes, a clicking noise during breastfeeding is a common sign of tongue-tie, indicating improper latch and suction.
  • Why does my baby have trouble sticking out their tongue?
    A tongue-tie restricts the movement of the tongue due to the short, tight frenulum, making it difficult for the baby to stick out their tongue.
  • What is the cause of a heart-shaped tongue tip in my baby?
    This shape is often seen in tongue-tied infants due to the tethering effect of the frenulum at the tip of the tongue.
  • Why does my baby seem to be choking or gagging during feedings?
    Tongue-tie can cause difficulties in coordinating sucking and swallowing, leading to gagging or choking.
  • Is frequent crying and fussiness a sign of tongue-tie?
    Yes, because ineffective feeding due to tongue-tie can lead to hunger and frustration, resulting in frequent crying.
  • Can tongue-tie cause poor weight gain in babies?
    Yes, because tongue-tie can interfere with effective breastfeeding, babies may not get enough milk, leading to poor weight gain.
  • Why does my baby seem tired and fall asleep during feedings?
    Babies with tongue-tie might expend extra energy trying to feed effectively, causing them to tire quickly and fall asleep during feeding sessions.
  • What are the common signs of tongue-tie in infants?
    Infants with tongue-tie may have difficulty latching onto the breast, causing pain for the mother and inadequate milk transfer. They might also exhibit a clicking sound while feeding.
  • Can tongue-tie affect bottle feeding as well?
    While less common, tongue-tie can also impact bottle feeding, causing similar issues with latch and effective milk transfer.
  • Why is my baby having long and frequent feeding sessions?
    Babies with tongue-tie may take longer to feed and require more frequent sessions because they are unable to effectively transfer milk.
  • Why does my child have a speech delay?
    Tongue-tie can impede the proper development of speech, leading to delays and difficulties in clear articulation.
  • Why does my child have difficulty cleaning their mouth?
    Restricted tongue movement can make it hard for children to sweep food debris from their teeth and gums, impacting oral hygiene.
  • Can tongue-tie cause dental problems in children?
    Yes, it can lead to issues such as gaps between the front teeth or increased risk of cavities due to difficulties with oral hygiene.
  • Can tongue-tie cause social or emotional issues in children?
    Yes, children may experience frustration or embarrassment due to speech difficulties or the inability to perform simple oral tasks.
  • Why does my child complain of jaw or mouth pain?
    Tongue-tie can cause muscle strain and discomfort due to the abnormal positioning and movement of the tongue.
  • Is my child's picky eating related to tongue-tie?
    Yes, children with tongue-tie may avoid certain foods that are difficult to chew or swallow due to limited tongue movement.
  • What are the signs of tongue-tie in older children?
    Signs include difficulty eating certain foods, speech difficulties, and problems with oral hygiene due to restricted tongue movement.
  • Why does my child have difficulty sticking out their tongue?
    Similar to infants, the restricted frenulum in children limits tongue mobility, preventing them from sticking out their tongue fully.
  • How can tongue-tie affect speech development in children?
    Tongue-tie can cause articulation problems, making it hard for children to pronounce certain sounds, particularly those involving tongue elevation.
  • How does tongue-tie affect my child's eating habits?
    It can cause difficulties with chewing and swallowing, leading to a preference for softer foods and potentially impacting nutritional intake.
  • How does tongue-tie affect speech in adults?
    It can cause persistent articulation problems, making it difficult to pronounce certain sounds correctly.
  • Why do I have jaw pain or tension?
    Tongue-tie can lead to abnormal muscle use and tension in the jaw, resulting in discomfort and pain.
  • Can tongue-tie cause gum recession?
    Yes, the abnormal tongue posture and movement can lead to gum recession and other periodontal issues.
  • Is tongue-tie hereditary?
    Tongue-tie can run in families and may be passed down genetically, making it more likely if other family members have the condition.
  • Why do I have difficulty swallowing pills or large food pieces?
    Limited tongue mobility can make it challenging to maneuver pills or larger food pieces effectively for swallowing.
  • How can tongue-tie affect my social interactions?
    Speech difficulties and other oral challenges related to tongue-tie can impact confidence and social interactions, causing frustration and embarrassment.
  • Is my persistent dental issue related to tongue-tie?
    Tongue-tie can cause ongoing dental problems, including gaps between teeth and difficulty maintaining oral hygiene.
  • Can tongue-tie cause snoring or sleep apnea?
    Yes, restricted tongue movement can affect the airway during sleep, potentially contributing to snoring or sleep apnea.
  • Why is my speech not clear even after speech therapy?
    Persistent speech difficulties despite therapy may be due to undiagnosed tongue-tie affecting tongue movement.
  • What are the signs of tongue-tie in adults?
    Adults may experience speech difficulties, jaw pain, dental problems, and challenges with oral hygiene due to restricted tongue movement.
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