Do you think your child may be living with a lip- or tongue-tie? If so, they might need a dental procedure to allow for improved oral function. Even though most children are treated during infancy, many problems do not develop until they’re older. Since the symptoms can be hard to spot, overgrown oral muscular tissue often goes undiagnosed. Unfortunately, that can cause several issues as your little one grows up. With that in mind, here are signs that indicate your child needs a frenectomy.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenulum is a small piece of tissue that’s located at either the top or bottom of the mouth, specifically under the tongue or the upper gums. If the connective tissue is too tight, it can lead to a range of problems. A frenectomy is a simple procedure in which the frenulum is severed and removed to allow for more freedom of movement. It might sound daunting, but the procedure is low-risk and has a high rate of success.
Indications Your Child Needs a Frenectomy
Are you unsure whether your child needs a frenectomy? Here are signs to watch out for:
Difficulty Eating
A lingual frenulum (the tight cord underneath the tongue to keep it properly secured) that’s too tight can make swallowing difficult. For babies, this can cause problems with breastfeeding or make them unable to effectively take a bottle. While some hospitals will perform a frenectomy before the newborn is discharged, others will tell parents to wait and see if the child grows out of it.
Trouble Speaking
The tongue plays a crucial role in speaking. If your child is “tongue-tied,” they may have trouble speaking normally. As a result, they may develop a lisp or other speech impediment. Fortunately, these alternations can often be corrected with a frenectomy.
Open-Mouth Breathing
If the upper labial frenulum is too tight, it can keep the mouth from closing properly, causing open-mouth breathing. This issue must be addressed right away as it can lead to gum recession and even contribute to sleep apnea.
Gap Between Upper Front Teeth
An overly tight upper labial frenulum can also lead to a gap in the upper two front teeth. Even though it’s usually just an aesthetic problem, a frenectomy is still recommended in most cases.
Receding Gums
The bands of tissue located beneath the tongue and behind the upper lip are connected to the gum tissue. Because of that, the inability to freely move the lip or tongue can cause your little one’s gums to recede, increasing their risk of gum disease when they’re older.
Is your child displaying any of these symptoms? Contact a pediatric dentist and ask if a frenectomy is right for them. With their help, your little one’s smile will be back on track in no time!
About the Practice
At Tranquil Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide compassionate, high-quality pediatric dental care for children in Coppell, TX and surrounding communities including Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville, and Flower Mound. Our team focuses on preventive care, patient education, and creating a positive dental experience so children feel comfortable and confident at every visit.
Led by Dr. Kimberly Tran, a board-certified pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, our practice is dedicated to helping children develop healthy smiles that support their overall growth and well-being.
If you have questions about your child’s dental health or would like to schedule an appointment with a trusted pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, our team is here to help.
📞 Call us at (972) 393-9779 or contact our office online to get started.