Are Lip & Tongue-Ties in Infants Appearing More Often?

Babies bring so much joy with their arrival. While everyone is busy fawning over their cute and adorable facial expressions and sounds, an unrecognized problem might exist – a lip or tongue-tie. It might seem as if this issue is a new occurrence; however, these restricted bands of tissues have been making it hard for infants to eat for centuries. Read on to learn more about the ebb and flow of these ties and why it seems that frenectomies are occurring more regularly these days.

The Effects of Breastfeeding & Bottle-Feeding on Lip & Tongue-Ties

Physicians have been treating infant lip and tongue-ties to create a wider range of oral motion for centuries. While the treatment methods have thankfully changed (midwives used their nails during the Middle Ages), the goal of helping infants more easily nurse remains the same.

Long before the days of bottles and formula, women only breastfed, which meant babies needed to latch successfully to extract the milk for consumption. This requires the lip and tongue to create a seal around the nipple. Unfortunately, when a lip or tongue-tie exists, the restricted tissue can make this more difficult, resulting in a shallow latch and inadequate feedings.

As a result, midwives and surgeons were called in to address the issue using either their nails or surgical instruments.

As time passed and more information became available about the benefits of bottle-feeding and formula use (20^th century), the issues associated with lip and tongue-ties became less. While it’s still possible for babies to struggle with this method, these restricted tissues became less of an issue, resulting in a decline in frenectomies – a surgical procedure designed to release the tissue and allow for full movement of the lip and/or tongue.

Why the Sudden Increase in Frenectomies?

Just like many other aspects of medicine and healthcare, new research and advancements have occurred over the years leading medical professionals to encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies.

This turning of the tide has caused a resurgence of lip and tongue-tie cases among infants, causing many pediatric dentists and experts to recommend frenectomies as the preferred treatment.

Fortunately, many of the procedures administered today use soft tissue lasers or advanced surgical instruments that make it easier to perform and less stressful for little ones. In little time, the banded tissue is released, allowing babies to begin nursing immediately after the surgery is complete.

Although lip and tongue-ties are not new, it’s important to seek treatment sooner rather than later if you notice your baby is struggling to nurse or take a bottle. Without timely care, it can lead to poor weight gain, impaired speech, problems with oral health, and other serious issues later in life.

Do not be alarmed if you discover your child has a lip or tongue-tie. Some dentists can help give your baby the oral movement they need while also helping you experience a more positive nursing journey with your little one.

About the Author
Dr. Ramu Vuppala earned his dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Passionate about working with young patients, he offers safe and reliable solutions for infants suffering from lip or tongue-tie. As a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, he uses only the most advanced technologies to deliver fast and effective results, leading to happier and healthier babies. If you believe your child might benefit from a frenectomy, visit our website or call (432) 315-0195.