5 Signs That Your Child Needs a Frenectomy

Do you think that your child might have a lip or tongue tie? If this is the case, they might require a minor procedure to get relief and allow for better oral function. Most kids who have lip or tongue tie are treated during infancy, but some symptoms don’t develop until they’re toddlers. This can create various issues. Continue reading to learn more about frenectomies as well as some signs to look out for.

How Do Frenectomies Work?

The frenulum is a small piece of tissue that is located at either the top or bottom of the mouth, under the tongue or the upper gums. When this tissue is too tight, it can lead to a range of issues. A frenectomy is a procedure in which the frenulum is removed to allow for more mobility. This procedure is low-risk with a high rate of success.

5 Signs That Your Child May Require a Frenectomy

Difficulty Speaking

The tongue plays an important role in speaking. If your child has a lip or tongue tie, they might have trouble speaking clearly. This can result in a lisp or other speech impediments. Fortunately, these issues often go away after a frenectomy.

Gap Between the Upper Teeth

An overly tight labial frenulum can cause a gap in the upper front teeth. This is usually just a cosmetic issue, but a frenectomy is still typically recommended in these cases.

Gum Recession

Since the tissue that is located beneath the tongue and behind the upper lip are connected to the gum tissue, children may be unable to freely move their lip or tongue, causing the gums to recede, increasing their risk of gum disease as they get older.

Mouth-Breathing

If the upper labial frenulum is too tight, it can prevent the mouth from closing properly, resulting in mouth breathing. This needs to be addressed as soon as possible since it can lead to gum recession and contribute to sleep apnea.

Challenges Eating

A lingual frenulum that is too tight can make swallowing difficult. For infants, this can cause problems with breastfeeding or make them unable to properly take a bottle. A frenectomy releases the tongue-tie, making swallowing much easier for the infant.

If your child is showing any of the issues above, let their dentist know. A frenectomy may be all they need to get relief.

About the Author

Dr. Maggie Davis is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and Diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She also holds her Certification in Infant and Pediatric Tongue Ties and Lip Ties given by the American Board of Laser Surgery. She is also a graduate of Dr. Richard Baxter’s Tongue Tie Academy and TOTS: Tethered Oral Tissue program. To learn more about frenectomies or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit her website or call (727) 786-7551.