Recognizing newborn lip tie early on can help to prevent developmental issues like difficulty suckling or speaking. A person has lip tie when the tissue right behind their upper lip is too rigid or thick, inhibiting the upper lip from moving freely.
The condition sometimes occurs with another condition called tongue tie – which occurs when the tissue that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too thick or stiff. Having both conditions can make it difficult for babies to breastfeed, and that can lead to them being malnourished.
Lip ties are not as common as tongue ties. Pediatric dentists typically do not consider newborn lip ties to be a dangerous condition as long as it is not hindering the child’s ability to grow and put on weight. The condition is also easy to correct once it has been diagnosed.
Trouble breastfeeding is one of the most common signs a child might have tongue tie or newborn lip tie. Signs a newborn is struggling with breastfeeding include:
Parents who notice any of these symptoms consistently should bring their newborn in for a feeding evaluation. Once the condition has been diagnosed, it can be treated with a non-invasive laser frenectomy.
Babies with lip tie sometimes have an easier time drinking from a bottle. Pumped milk from the mother or formula works for bottle feeding. It ensures the baby’s condition does not prevent them from getting the nutrients they need to develop properly
Those who insist on breastfeeding should type to soften their breasts with some of the child’s saliva before they attempt to latch on to a nipple. The mother should also learn proper latching techniques so it is easier for the newborn to connect to a breast.
Mild lip ties can be loosened by working a finger along the baby’s lips to loosen the gap between their gumline and their lips. Doing this regularly will improve the mobility of the child’s lip.
More serious cases might require treatment from a pediatric dentist. The procedure is called a frenectomy and it is often performed with a laser since this provides the least invasive approach. The traditional way to perform the procedure involved using a surgical knife, and that brought its share of complications like a need to place newborns under anesthesia. Soft tissue lasers can be used to perform the procedure, and the treatment does not cause the child pain.
Is your newborn having a hard time latching on to your breasts? Bring them to our Middletown clinic so our pediatric dentist can perform a feeding evaluation and recommend appropriate treatments.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Middletown, NY.
Parents play a crucial role in their children's tooth care by ensuring their children get started on the right path to optimal dental health. This involves overseeing children's tooth care at home while also helping them develop healthy dental habits and ensuring they see a pediatric dentist regularly.Parents will need to keep their child's mouth…
Just like adults, children need preventive dental care — that is where pediatric dentistry comes in. Many parents believe that their child's teeth are healthy simply because their child is young. The truth is that oral health issues are as prevalent in kids as much as adults. Since they love sugary treats, the risk of…
Children have a great deal of growing and changing to do before they come into their adult smile, which often means parents fail to consider cosmetic dentistry for children as an option. However, cosmetic dental services can make a big difference for kids at this vulnerable age, when they may be prone to bullying and…
Typing pediatric dentist near me on your browser’s search box can be a great start. Research shows that a healthy mouth results in a healthy body. Finding an experienced dental care provider can give your child a good start in life. Here are the details if you want to start an online search for pediatric…
Parents are encouraged to take their child to a pediatric dentist by their child’s first birthday. There are other signs that indicate a need to see a kid-friendly dentist, as well. This review discusses when to see a dentist, which helps ensure that children receive the care they need to maintain a healthy smile.Similar to…
A kid-friendly dentist offers specialized care for children of all ages. During a visit with a pediatric dentist, parents can expect them to perform diagnostic services from dental X-rays to an oral examination. They may also perform a routine cleaning or general restorative work. Helping a child understand what to expect at a dental checkup…