Gentle Tongue-Tie Care for Kids
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a common oral condition in children that can impact speech, eating, and overall oral development. At Victory Smiles Dental Center in , we help families identify and manage tongue-tie early to support healthy growth and communication skills.
About 10% of children are born with tongue-tie, a condition that can range from mild to severe.
If left untreated, tongue-tie may interfere with everyday activities such as breastfeeding, speech development, and normal oral function.
At Victory Smiles Dental Center in Houston - Antoine, we provide safe and effective tongue-tie treatments. Our skilled team quickly addresses the issue, helping your child improve feeding, speech, and overall oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and support your child’s healthy development.
What Is Tongue-Tie in Children?
Tongue-tie most often occurs in infants and toddlers. It happens when the frenulum—the small band of tissue under the tongue—is unusually short or tight, limiting tongue movement. This restriction can cause challenges with feeding, speech development, and overall oral health.
Common Symptoms of Tongue-Tie
The effects of ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) can vary based on severity. Symptoms often appear in infancy, with many breastfeeding mothers noticing difficulties with latching and feeding. Beyond feeding challenges, tongue-tie can lead to other issues. Some of the most common problems include:
- Speech difficulties or delayed speech development
- Breathing or oral coordination challenges
- Pain or discomfort during breastfeeding
- Problems with chewing or swallowing food
If your child shows any of these signs, they may have a tongue-tie. Early evaluation and treatment can address the issue promptly, supporting better feeding, speech development, and overall oral health.
Tongue-Tie Treatment Options for Children
While tongue-tie can create challenges, the good news is that it’s usually simple to treat. At Victory Smiles Dental Center in Houston - Antoine, we offer a straightforward procedure called a frenotomy to restore proper tongue movement and support healthy oral development. During the procedure, the tight band of tissue is gently released, freeing the tongue and alleviating many of the symptoms associated with tongue-tie.
Although the idea of a procedure may sound intimidating, frenotomy is quick and typically painless. Local anesthesia can be used if needed, but in many cases, it isn’t necessary. Our experienced team carefully clips the frenulum with precision, allowing the tongue to move freely.
In most cases, infants can immediately latch and feed more effectively after the procedure, providing instant relief for both child and parent!
Trusted Tongue-Tie Dentist Serving Houston - Antoine
If you suspect your child may have tongue-tie, now is the perfect time to seek treatment. The compassionate team at Victory Smiles Dental Center is here to provide comprehensive children’s dental care, including expert tongue-tie treatment. With experience and care, we can quickly diagnose and address this condition, helping your child enjoy improved feeding, speech, and oral health. Our friendly dental team is conveniently located nearby. Schedule your appointment today with our tongue-tie specialist!
