Learn The Basics of Lip Ties And Tongue Ties

Lip and tongue ties can influence dental health and function from childhood to maturity. Both limit oral tissues, albeit in distinct areas of the mouth. They can also make it difficult to nurse, communicate correctly, and keep your teeth healthy.

In this article, we’ll discuss lip and tongue ties, including dental terminology, causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Liberty Dentist, TX also helps you understand how they do to your teeth.

What are Tongue and Lip Ties?

Lip ties develop when the labial frenulum, which attaches the upper lip to the gum, is too short or thick, limiting upper lip mobility. Ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, occurs when the labial frenulum, which connects the tongue’s bottom to the mouth floor, is abnormally tight.

Both abnormalities are called “tethered oral tissues” (TOTs), abnormal mouth soft tissue attachments. These linkages can result in minor restrictions to severe limitations that impair feeding, swallowing, and speaking.

Lip And Tongue Ties Causes

Congenital lip and tongue ties exist. The cause is unknown; however, genetic factors are suspected. Some studies suggest genetic mutations may influence connective tissue development, thickening or shortening the frenulum.

The degree of restriction and functional difficulties determine whether lip or tongue ties need treatment. Even though both are frequent, Liberty Dentist TX suggests getting a proper checkup before taking any specific treatment.

Lip And Tongue Tie Symptoms

Lip and tongue ties have symptoms that vary by age and severity. Let’s see how each disorder affects oral function and health:

Lip Tie Symptoms

• Infants: Limited upper lip movement from a large lip tie might make latching difficult. In this scenario, weight growth may not occur; however, increased meal frequency is necessary.
• Children: Dental hygiene can be difficult for children with diminutive upper lips. Lip ties complicate the cleaning of the anterior teeth, resulting in plaque accumulation and dental caries on those surfaces.
• Adults: If you do not take care of your lip ties, they can cause a gap between your front teeth. Tight frenulums can strain the gums, causing them to sink.

Tongue Tie Symptoms

• Infants: Tongue ties can make it hard to breastfeed, which can limit the baby’s milk intake and growth.
• Children: Tongue ties can impede the acquisition of speech, particularly with phonemes such as “L,” “T,” “D,” and “R.” They may also impede respiration and deglutition, which is detrimental to dental health.
• Adults: In adults, a tongue tie can impede speech, hinder oral hygiene, and lead to persistent dental issues. The tongue’s position changes, which can affect your bite and alignment.

Lip and Tongue Ties: Diagnosis

Pediatricians, dentists, and other doctors can diagnose lip or tongue ties with clinical testing. Liberty Dentist TX exams typically include:

• Visual Inspection: The dentist will visually inspect the labial frenulum’s length, thickness, and attachment point.
• Functional Assessment: Your flexibility, walking, and shoe-tying skills will be assessed. We may also watch infants nurse or listen to adults and older children speak.
• Classification: Grade 1 lip and tongue bindings are minor, whereas Grade 4 is severe. These grades define treatment urgency.

Tongue And Lip Tie Treatment Options

Lip and tongue ties are treated based on severity and function. If the tie does not affect important functions, therapy may not be needed. When symptoms appear, several options are available:

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is the most common lip and tongue tie treatment. The frenulum is surgically removed to relieve tension and allow normal movement. Traditional surgery or laser technology can reduce bleeding, pain, and healing time.

• Laser frenectomy: In this minimally invasive procedure, a dental laser releases the frenulum. Laser frenectomies are popular for treating lip and tongue ties in children and adults because they are rapid, painless, and heal quickly.
• Traditional frenectomy: They cut the frenulum with scissors or scalpels. While it does get the job done, it might lead to more bleeding and take a bit longer to heal compared to laser treatment.

Myofunctional Therapy

Sometimes, myofunctional treatment can be beneficial and can also complement surgery. As a result, you’ll develop stronger muscles in your mouth, including your lips, tongue, and jaw. Now, you’re able to move around and speak more clearly.

Speech Therapy

A tongue tie can interfere with free and coherent speech. Speech treatment can reduce this problem. Many times, speech therapy and other treatments help one obtain clear speaking.

Benefits of Treating Tongue and Lip Ties

Beginning lip and tongue tie treatment early has several benefits. Some of the benefits, as suggested by Liberty Dentist TX, are –

• Better breastfeeding and newborn nutrition.
• Speech improvement and clarity.
• Increased mobility for tooth brushing improves oral hygiene.
• Lower risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Social and functional confidence and comfort increased.

Conclusion

Lip and tongue bindings impair oral function from birth to maturity. By learning symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment choices, patients and parents can make informed decisions about lip and tongue tie management. Liberty Dentist TX can help you choose the best treatment and improve your dental health and life.