Is your baby struggling to latch? Do you struggle with depression because you feel it is your fault that your infant has difficulty nursing? When your baby has a tongue tie in Katy, it can feel as if you’re the only one experiencing this type of situation. Fortunately, you’re not, and there is a solution that can easily rectify the problem and allow for your baby to enjoy greater oral function. Frenectomies are much more common these days, but it hasn’t always been that way. Read on to learn more about the history behind lip and tongue ties and why there is an uptick in the number of cases being treated by pediatric dentists.
Lip and Tongue Ties of the Past
Centuries ago, lip and tongue ties were treated using old-fashioned, makeshift tools to perform a frenectomy. While the instruments looked different than those used today, they achieved the same result – better oral function for the patient. The restricted band of tissue underneath the tongue and behind the upper lip would be released, allowing the baby or child to begin nursing successfully.
However, as time progressed, medical professionals began to encourage mothers to choose formula over breastfeeding. Not only did they believe that infants who took a bottle received greater benefits, but it led to a significant decrease in the number of frenectomies performed.
But much like other trends throughout history, breastfeeding became the more prominent and popular method over time, resulting in parents becoming increasingly concerned when their babies struggled to latch while nursing. This led to the rise of frenectomies and the need to help little ones achieve optimal oral function to avoid more serious problems in the future (i.e., speech impediment, difficulty eating solid foods, self-esteem issues, etc.).
How to Know Your Child Needs a Frenectomy
As a parent, you may not realize your child needs a frenectomy. This is when it can be helpful to understand the signs, especially if you begin to notice that your little one is having a hard time attempting to nurse. A pediatric dentist in Katy shares some of the key signs to look for, which include:
- Problems latching onto the nipple while breastfeeding
- Experiencing colic or acid reflux
- Difficulty keeper a pacifier in their mouth
- Troubles using a bottle when prompted
As the nursing parent, you may also notice that your breasts appear swollen or red, enlarged or engorged, and you may have blocked milk ducts. Not to mention, your baby may take longer to nurse, resulting in intense fatigue.
Choosing to seek treatment for your child’s lip or tongue tie can be one of the best decisions you can make. Because the procedure requires the use of a soft tissue laser and is easier and virtually painless for your little one, you can expect them to quickly learn how to properly move their lip or tongue correctly and begin to nurse successfully.
About the Author
As a board-certified pediatric dentist in Katy, Dr. Adeel Khan is all-too-familiar with the common problems that can develop in a baby’s smile. If your child is experiencing signs that are closely associated with a lip or tongue tie, they may need to undergo a frenectomy to help improve oral function. This simple and safe procedure is performed using a soft tissue laser, allowing your little one to feel less pain and discomfort and start enjoying a greater range of motion in less time. If you would like to know if your child could benefit from a laser frenectomy, visit our website or call (832) 789-8348.