If your child has a lip tie, then you may be wondering whether it’s necessarily an issue or not. If it isn’t, then what would be the point of going through a whole ordeal to get it fixed? However, the truth is that it can affect their everyday life from childhood to their adult years. Keep reading to learn why you should treat a lip tie in your child to prevent problems in the future.
What is a Lip Tie?
Before you can dive into what issues a lip tie causes, it’s important to know what it is. This is when the skin of the upper lip attaches to the gums in a way that limits the lips from moving. In infants, it can make breastfeeding or bottle feeding harder because of an inability to create a proper latch. You may need to work a little harder to ensure your child gets all the nutrients they need.
How Does a Lip Tie Affect My Child?
While nursing can be affected by a lip tie, it can cause a myriad of issues as they grow up. In their childhood, they may experience:
- Trouble Eating: Many kids with this condition have a limited diet and have food aversions. They may struggle with age-appropriate foods.
- Speech Issues: Because the lip can’t move properly, your child may have trouble with their speech clarity and get frustrated when others can’t fully understand them.
- Breathing and Psychological Problems: Snoring is common in those with lip ties, and you may notice mouth breathing becoming a habit. Some children may have lower self-esteem or express feeling “different” from their peers.
Will a Lip Tie Affect My Child as They Get Older?
The unfortunate truth is that the troubles caused by a lip tie don’t go away when your child becomes an adult. As they are older, they may have trouble talking quickly and experience workplace communication challenges. Migraines and headaches may be more common, along with some jaw pain. Adults with the condition may be at an increased risk of gum disease or be more self-conscious about their appearance.
A lip tie can be a big deal when it comes to your child. It’s something that can have many negative effects that don’t stop at infancy. If your little one has this condition, consider getting it treated to help avoid all the problems above and set their smile up for a lifetime of success!
About the Practice
At Newpark Mall Family Dental Group, we understand how positive dental experiences when your child is still young can set them up for a lifetime of good oral healthcare habits. We understand how a lip tie can cause some issues in your little one, so we are happy to help diagnose and treat them. We use a soft tissue laser to make the procedure as painless as possible! If you think your child would benefit from a lip tie treatment, schedule an appointment or call us at (510) 796-8888.