Gentle Tongue-Tie Treatment for Kids
Tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a common oral condition in children that can affect speech, eating, and oral development.
Approximately 10% of children are born with tongue-tie, a condition that can vary in severity.
Left untreated, tongue-tie can affect daily activities such as breastfeeding, speech development, and proper oral function.
At Victory Smiles Dental Center, we offer safe and effective tongue-tie treatments in Pasadena. Our experienced team works quickly to correct the issue, helping your child enjoy improved feeding, speech, and overall oral health. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.
What is Tongue-tie?
Tongue-tie most commonly affects infants and toddlers. It happens when the frenulum—the thin band of tissue beneath the tongue—remains unusually short or tight. This restricts tongue movement and can lead to difficulties with feeding, speech, and oral development.
Tongue-Tie Symptoms
The impact of ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) varies depending on its severity. Symptoms often appear in infancy, with many breastfeeding mothers noticing difficulties with latching and feeding. In addition to feeding challenges, other problems can arise. Some of the most common issues include:
- Difficulty speaking
- Breathing challenges
- Painful breastfeeding
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
If you observe any of these signs in your child, they may have a tongue-tie. Early evaluation and treatment can help correct the issue quickly, improving their feeding, speech, and overall oral development.
Treatment of Tongue-Tie
Although tongue-tie can cause challenges, the good news is that it’s usually easy to treat. A simple procedure called a frenotomy can restore proper tongue movement and support healthy oral development. During the procedure, the extra tissue is gently removed, freeing the tongue and resolving many of the symptoms associated with tongue-tie.
While the idea of surgery may seem intimidating, frenotomy is quick and generally painless. Local anesthesia may be used if necessary, but in many cases, it isn’t required. The dentist carefully clips the frenulum with surgical scissors, allowing the tongue to move freely.
In most cases, infants can immediately latch and feed properly following the procedure, providing instant relief for both the child and parent!
Visit Our Tongue-tie Dentist in Pasadena
If you think your child may suffer from tongue-tie, then now is the time to seek treatment. The dedicated team at Victory Smiles is here to help with all children’s dental care, including tongue-tie treatment. We have the experience and compassion to diagnose and treat this condition in no time. Our dedicated dental team is right around the corner! Schedule your appointment today with our tongue tie dentist!
