Feeding a baby comfortably and efficiently is the most important aspect of a newborn’s life and a precious experience for a new mom. A normal frenum is a connective band bringing two soft tissue pieces together. In some cases, if that band connects too low or tight it may result in a condition known as a Tongue-Tie or a Lip-Tie.
Consequences of Untreated Lip and Tongue-Ties
Feeding issues
Many children struggle with transitioning from milk to purees or table foods. While some become picky eaters and have difficulty managing variable texture of table foods.
Dental issues
Cavities seen on the front part of the incisors or recession of gums near the midline are often attributable to lip ties. Cavities on the chewing surface of the molars are often seen in patients that have a tongue tie and never developed the reflex to clean out the sticky foods after snacks or meals.
Speech issues
Many children develop air management and speech clarity or articulation problems due to limited range of motion and elevation of all parts of the tongue required to produce various sounds – l/th/d/n, st/sr/kh/gh, m/p/b and so on.
Sleep issues
Disordered Breathing and Sleep Apnea are often seen in children that cannot manage the proper posture and tone of the tongue muscle due to restrictions or ties. Snoring, exhaustion, grinding of teeth, attention deficit disorders, behavioral issues are all now being connected back to sleep disordered breathing in the literature.
How are Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties treated today?
Thanks to the great advances in laser technology, most technologically-savvy and up-to-date healthcare providers are educated on the laser’s properties and why they are highly favorable in soft tissue procedures. Dr. Rishita’s expertise in using Waterlaser allows her to provide desensitization, coagulation and cooling as it separates the tissue. The laser light beam is precisely controlled for the most thorough and safe procedure. Waterlaser virtually eliminates the need for scalpel, sutures, or anesthetic in infant frenectomy cases. The newborns we treat can feed immediately after the procedure for comfort. Moms report significant difference in personal comfort, baby’s consumption, and efficiency while nursing or bottle feeding.
Breastfeeding should be a joy!
Functional Issues
BEFORE
- Shallow ineffective latch
- Gassiness/Reflux symptoms
- Poor weight gain
- Maternal pain / Mastitis
Benefits of Laser Frenectomy
AFTER
- No anesthesia
- No scissors or sutures
- Possible to treat same day!
- Baby feeds immediately
Smile Wonders
11790 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 105
Reston, VA 20191
571-350-3663
