Tongue and Lip Tied
What does it mean to be Tongue and Lip Tied?
There are two frenums located in the mouth. The first is located underneath the tongue while the other attaches the lip to the upper gum tissue. If there is a problem with either of these frenums, which may involve them being too short, this can cause your child to be “tongue or lip tied”. The frenum may be too short to provide adequate movement of either the lip or tongue.
What can be done for a child who is Tongue and Lip Tied?
When your child is tongue or lip tied, they will benefit from a frenectomy. A frenectomy involves an incision that is made through the frenum, which gives it room to adequately move. This enables your child to move their tongue and lip as needed without the short frenum getting in their way. Frenectomies are a lot more common than you might think and can be easily done in-office.
What are the benefits of a Frenectomy?
Frenums that are too thick or short prevent both the tongue and lip from moving properly. This can sometimes be seen as a speech impediment or an inability to chew food properly. For children, the earlier that the frenectomy is performed, the better their quality of life. The procedure is a lot less invasive than it might seem. Dr. Mina can perform the surgery in our office under either local or general anesthesia.
What can you expect when your child has a Frenectomy?
You will bring your child in, who will receive anesthetic of their choosing. The frenum is then cut to allow for proper movement. The area heals relatively quickly, but you’ll be given important post-operative care instructions to ensure it heals correctly. The procedure will allow greater movement of either the lip or tongue so that your child is able to eat, chew and talk properly. Frenectomies are simple surgical procedures that can benefit pediatric patients of all ages.
If you believe your child may need a frenectomy, call our office today and we can schedule a consultation appointment for them to come in.
