Tongue And Lip Ties Lexington KY 

What Are Tongue and Lip Ties? How We Can Help.

You may have heard of tongue and lip ties, but what are they? A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that limits the tongue’s range of motion. This can interfere with a baby’s ability to breastfeed or cause speech difficulties later on. A lip tie (frenulum labii superioris) is a similar condition that limits the mobility of the upper lip. Both tongue and lip ties are relatively common, affecting between 4-11% of infants.

If you think your child may have a tongue or lip tie, please call our office to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you determine if a laser frenectomy is right for your family.

Causes of Tongue and Lip Ties

Tongue and lip ties are usually caused by an overgrowth of tissue in the frenulum, the small band of tissue that connects the tongue or upper lip to the floor of the mouth. In some cases, tongue and lip ties can be caused by genetic factors. However, the exact cause of tongue and lip ties is unknown.

Symptoms of Tongue Ties

If your child has a tongue tie, you may notice that they have difficulty breastfeeding or that their speech sounds “tied up.” Older children with tongue ties may have difficulty sticking out their tongues or moving them from side to side. Some children with tongue ties may also have difficulty eating certain foods (such as chewy meats), speaking clearly, or swallowing properly.

Symptoms of Lip Ties

If your child has a lip tie, you may notice that their top lip seems “tethered” to their gum line. This can interfere with breastfeeding and cause difficulties with eating or speaking clearly. In some cases, a lip tie can also cause gum disease due to the build-up of plaque around the teeth.

Contact Us Today

If you think your child may have a tongue or lip tie, please call our office at Park Hills Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you determine if a laser frenectomy is suitable for your family. Our team is highly trained and experienced in performing this procedure, and we will work closely with you to ensure that your child’s needs are met.