Lip and tongue-ties are increasingly recognized as important conditions that can impact a child’s feeding, speech, and oral development. Despite growing awareness, there are still several misconceptions about lip and tongue-ties that can leave parents confused or hesitant about seeking treatment. Understanding the facts can help you make informed decisions and ensure your child receives the care they need.
Myth 1: Tongue-Ties Always Cause Problems
Many parents assume that every child with a tongue-tie will have difficulty feeding or speaking. In reality, some children with tongue-ties may experience no noticeable issues, while others may face challenges with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, speech, or oral hygiene. The presence of a tongue-tie doesn’t automatically indicate a problem, but evaluation by a pediatric professional can help determine if intervention is needed.
Myth 2: Lip-Ties Are Rare
Some people believe lip-ties are uncommon, but they are actually fairly frequent. A lip-tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is unusually tight, restricting normal movement. Lip-ties can contribute to difficulty latching, gaps between teeth, or speech concerns, making early assessment important.
Myth 3: Surgery Is Always Required
While frenectomy (the surgical release of a lip or tongue-tie) can be beneficial, it’s not always necessary. Some mild cases may resolve naturally as a child grows. Decisions about treatment should be based on a thorough evaluation of functional concerns, not just the appearance of the tie.
Myth 4: Tongue-Ties Only Affect Babies
Tongue-ties are often associated with infants, but they can have implications later in life. Older children and even adults may experience speech challenges, difficulty cleaning teeth, or jaw discomfort due to an untreated tongue-tie. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications down the line.
Myth 5: All Tongue-Ties Look the Same
Not all tongue-ties are obvious at first glance. They can vary in location, size, and severity. Some tongue-ties are subtle and may only be discovered during a careful oral assessment. A qualified pediatric dentist or specialist can accurately identify whether a tie is present and if it requires treatment.
Understanding the facts about lip and tongue-ties can help reduce anxiety and guide parents toward appropriate care. Early recognition and treatment, when necessary, can improve feeding, speech, and overall oral health for your child.
About the Practice
New Park Pediatrics & Orthodontics offers thorough evaluation and treatment for lip and tongue-ties in children of all ages. Dr. Quach and Dr. Rosato provide compassionate care, ensuring each child receives personalized attention to support feeding, speech, and oral development. Learn more about their lip and tongue-tie treatment options, come see us.
Call us at (510) 796-8888 or request an appointment online.