When a new bundle of joy arrives, breastfeeding is often considered as an intimate way of bonding with the infant. But for some new moms, this natural experience may become stressful due to issues that may hinder effective breastfeeding. One of the common but often overlooked reasons is the occurrence of lip and tongue ties in newborns. At Lotus Dental Associates, we believe in empowering our Fort Mill community with essential dental health information to enjoy a better quality of life. In this piece, we aim to educate new moms on how lip and tongue ties can affect breastfeeding, and how our practice can be of service.
Understanding Lip and Tongue Ties
A lip or tongue tie occurs when the frenulum (the attachment between the baby’s tongue to the floor of their mouth or their upper lip to their gum) is too tight or overly short. This could restrict the tongue and lip movement, impacting the baby’s ability to latch correctly during breastfeeding.
How Lip and Tongue Ties Affect Breastfeeding
A baby with a lip or tongue tie may experience difficulty in latching onto the mother’s breast or maintaining the latch. This situation could result in inadequate milk intake, causing the baby to be undernourished and leading to poor weight gain. Moreover, this can result in prolonged nursing sessions, causing nipple pain and damage to new mothers.
Our Role in Helping New Mothers
At Lotus Dental Associates, we provide comprehensive oral examinations for newborns and infants, entailing a thorough check for these conditions. If a lip or tongue tie is diagnosed, laser frenectomy, a simple and quick procedure, can correct the issue. With our experienced dental professionals in Fort Mill, SC, new mothers can rest assured knowing that their child is in safe and skilled hands.
Early Intervention is Key
Getting an early diagnosis and treatment for lip and tongue ties can significantly improve breastfeeding experiences for both mother and baby. Not only does it facilitate proper weight gain in newborns, but it also promotes comfortable and satisfying nursing sessions. We are committed to supporting the health needs of the youngest members of our community. Remember, a visit to Lotus Dental Associates is not just a leap towards great dental health, but overall health as well.
