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Unraveling the Knot: How Tongue Tie Release Transforms Kids’ Facial Development

3 minute read

Parents are always thriving to maintain their children’s optimum health condition, emphasizing on physical fitness, nutrition, oral health and more. At Lotus Dental Associates in Fort Mill, SC, we emphasize a unique frontline solution for ensuring comprehensive jaw and facial developments of kids, a process known as “Tongue Tie Release”.

What exactly is a Tongue Tie?

A Tongue Tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. It’s an anomaly where an unusually short, thick or tight band of tissue, the lingual frenulum, tethers the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the mouth floor. Some children who have tongue tie might experience difficulty in sticking out their tongue or moving it from side to side.

Implications of Tongue Tie on Jaw and Facial development

Tongue tie can create critical issues with breathing, feeding and swallowing. These conditions potentially reflect in the jaw and facial development of a child. For example, a child with a tongue-tie may have trouble during breastfeeding, which can lead to malnutrition and subsequently affecting the normal growth process of the jaw and facial bones. Besides, impaired swallowing can distort the normal resting position of the tongue, causing abnormal growth and development of the jaw midface.

Benefits of Tongue Tie Release Procedure

Releasing the tongue tie in early stages can reduce such anomalies and contribute significantly to enhancing normal jaw and facial development. Benefits include:

  • Improved Feeding: Babies can latch properly to their mother during breastfeeding, reducing nipple pain and sensitivity and gaining proper nutrition.
  • Speech Improvement: Children can articulate speech sounds more clearly, aiding their communication skills.
  • Better Oral Health: Enables proper brushing, reducing the risk of cavities and gingivitis.
  • Improved Sleep: Alleviates tongue tie induced sleep apnea.
  • Boosts Self-esteem: Prevents mouth breathing habit reducing chances for “long-face syndrome” thus indirectly boosting their self-esteem.

Consulting the Experts at Lotus Dental

If you suspect that your child may have a tongue tie that is interfering with their feeding or speech development, do not hesitate to reach out to us here at Lotus Dental Associates. Located in Fort Mill, SC, our experts perform a thorough diagnosis and suggest a safe and caring tongue tie release process, ensuring your child’s healthy growth and relieving related symptoms.

We believe in joining parents’ pursuit of excellence in protecting and nurturing their child’s oral health, jaw and facial development. Remember, early intervention is the key to improved outcomes!

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REVIEWED BY:

Dr. Nhung Phan, DDS

Dr. Nhung Phan is a skilled general and cosmetic dentist serving Fort Mill, South Carolina. A graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, she completed an advanced implant fellowship and specializes in airway dentistry, tongue-tie releases, and dental implants. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and compassionate care, Dr. Phan is fluent in Vietnamese and dedicated to creating beautiful, healthy smiles for patients throughout the Fort Mill community.

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