Tongue & Lip ties Kirkland WA
Is your child facing difficulties due to tongue or lip ties? At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry, we offer expert treatments to resolve these issues and enhance your child's overall well-being.
What’s Holding Kids Back?
Have you noticed your child struggling more than usual with feeding or seeming unusually frustrated during meals? Perhaps your little one has difficulty articulating certain sounds, or you’ve seen that their sleep isn’t great.
These challenges might not just be typical childhood hurdles; they could be signs of lip or tongue ties, conditions that often go unnoticed but can significantly impact your child’s well-being.
Watching your child struggle with basic tasks like eating, speaking, and sleeping can be really hard. As a parent, feeling helpless is common, especially when the cause is unclear. Often overlooked, lip and tongue ties not only hinder physical functions but also create emotional and social challenges for the whole family.
What Are Lip & Tongue ties?
Lip and tongue ties occur when the tissues that should allow free movement of the lips and tongue are unusually tight. Known medically as ankyloglossia for the tongue and simply as lip ties for the lips, these conditions restrict movement, making it difficult for children to eat, speak, breathe properly, and breastfeed effectively.
Both conditions are often present from birth and can significantly impact a child’s ability to perform essential functions. Recognizing these ties early can be the first step in addressing them, bringing relief to your child and the whole family.
Take Our Quiz
Tongue & Lip Tie Quiz
This quiz is designed to help identify if tongue or lip ties might be impacting your child’s daily life. Let Us Figure it Out With You! Tell us What’s Going on To See if We Can Help.
Effects of Tongue and Lip Ties
Tongue and lip ties can really affect a child’s life, creating hurdles in areas we often take for granted. Here’s a closer look at their impact:
- Dental Health: Impeded oral hygiene and potential teeth misalignment from restricted movement.
- Speech: Difficulty articulating sounds can delay speech development and cause frustration.
- Social and Emotional: Emotional distress and social withdrawal stem from communication and eating.
- Sleep: Breathing problems during sleep, like snoring or sleep apnea that can compromise their health.
- Jaw Development: Restrictions in the tongue and lip movement can affect how the jaw and face grow and develop.
Early intervention can help mitigate these effects, enhancing growth and well-being.
Does My Child Need a Frenectomy?
Deciding if your child needs a frenectomy involves observing key signs:
- Persistent Feeding Problems: Significant struggles with breastfeeding or eating that don’t improve with other interventions.
- Speech Issues: Delays in speech or trouble making certain sounds due to limited tongue movement.
- Dental Issues: Ongoing dental problems like decay or gum issues despite good hygiene.
- Breathing Difficulties: Regular snoring or signs of sleep disturbances.
If these symptoms persist, consult a pediatric dentist or ENT specialist to evaluate the need for a frenectomy. This minor procedure can greatly improve your child’s tongue or lip mobility, often with a quick recovery. Early treatment can help avoid more severe complications later on.
Frenectomy Solutions
At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry, we offer advanced treatments for children with tongue and lip ties, employing various methods to effectively address these conditions. Frenectomy Options:
- CO2 Laser Frenectomy: Utilizes a precise CO2 laser to cut the restrictive tissue, minimizing bleeding and reducing recovery time.
- Functional Frenuloplasty: For children aged 4-5 and up, a functional frenuloplasty uses a CO2 laser to release tension bands beneath the tongue while the child performs oral motor exercises. Oral myofunctional therapy is crucial before and after the procedure to strengthen tongue muscles and ensure the best results.
Dr. Susan thoroughly evaluates your child to help make a decision together on what would best help them achieve your desired outcome and goals.
Whole Child Wellness
Dr. Susan prioritizes your child’s overall health and wellbeing, beyond just bright smiles and straight teeth. We ensure a cozy and worry-free environment for every visit! Here’s our process:
Take advantage of our free consultation and stop dreading sleepless nights. Help your kids live with a beautiful smile and a restful sleep.
Is Your Child's Airway Healthy?
Take Our Quick Quiz to Find Out!
Studies show that most sleep troubles in kids are linked to how their jaws grow early on. Sometimes, if a jaw doesn't grow fully, it can cause big sleep problems that might affect their health.
Take Our Sleep Quiz!Painless Dentistry is Our Goal
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Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry
Our dental office is conveniently located on Totem Lake Blvd in Kirkland. Get directions to our office or book an appointment today!
Contact Us
Phone:
425-814-3196
Address:
12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE #103,
Kirkland, WA 98034
Email:
hello@evergreenkidsdentist.com
Practice Hours
Monday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Wednesday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Thursday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Common Questions About Tongue and Lip Ties
What problems can tongue and lip ties cause?
They can lead to feeding challenges, speech impediments, poor oral hygiene, and issues with dental spacing.
Are tongue and lip ties common?
Yes, they are relatively common in newborns but often go unnoticed without thorough screening.
How are tongue and lip ties diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a pediatric dentist or other specialist who can assess the anatomy and functionality of the mouth.
Is the frenectomy procedure painful?
Discomfort is minimal, especially when performed with a CO2 laser, which is less invasive and offers quicker healing.
Will my child need any special care after the procedure?
Post-procedure care might include specific feeding techniques and exercises to promote optimal healing and functionality.
Are there long-term complications with tongue and lip ties?
If untreated, they can lead to long-term speech difficulties, dental issues like misalignment, and other challenges related to eating and oral hygiene.
