Stretching the Truth: A Few Common Misconceptions about Lip and Tongue-Ties

Lip and tongue-ties occur when the lip or tongue is restrained by excessively thick frenulum tissue, and they can make many normal activities like swallowing, speaking, breastfeeding, and oral hygiene difficult. This can lead to a host of oral and overall health issues like tooth decay and malnutrition, so it’s best to have the issue addressed by an appropriate specialist early in life. Here’s a quick look at a few popular falsehoods about lip and tongue-ties as well as a few truths about these conditions.

Falsehood #1: Lip and Tongue-Ties Are Harmless

While a lip or tongue-tie may not seem like a major issue at first, it can lead to serious problems. An untreated lip or tongue-tie can make it harder for a child to breath properly and feed from the breast or bottle. It can also lead to problems like snoring, poor sleep, acid reflux, difficulties with speech and eating, headaches, teeth grinding, and shoulder tension. You should notice significant improvements soon after having your child’s lip or tongue-tie addressed.

Falsehood #2: Lip and Tongue Ties Resolve Themselves

In previous decades, many dentists thought that most children with tied tongues and lips would eventually rip them loose while roughhousing or engaging in other physical activities, so they thought it would be better to leave the issue untreated. Today, we know that this is not an effective or sanitary way to resolve the issue and leaving a lip or tongue-tie untreated can lead to a host of health problems such as dental misalignments, mouth breathing, and oral hygiene difficulties.

Falsehood #3: You Can Treat Lip and Tongue-Ties at Home

Some people think that using household tools like scissors to cut the excessive frenulum tissue without the help of an oral health professional can be a safe and economical way to address a lip or tongue-tie, but this is not true. These unsanitary methods can set a child up for nasty oral infections, and the frenulum may simply grow back together during the healing process. It’s best to have this treatment performed safely and effectively by a qualified oral health professional.

A lip or tongue-tie can be a frustrating problem, but the issue can be safely and painlessly addressed by a qualified specialist. Consulting with your pediatric dentist can help you find the best way to set your child up for excellent oral health.

About the Author

The Florida Tongue Tie Institute helps the children of Palm Harbor enjoy better oral health. Led by Dr. Maggie Davis, the staff treats each patient with kindness and respect in a child-friendly environment. The office performs lip and tongue-tie treatments using surgical lasers to ensure that the treatment process is sanitary, comfortable, and painless. If you are concerned that your child may have a lip or tongue-tie, contact the office online or dial (727) 786-7551.