Welcome to Lotus Dental Associates blog! If you’re a mother in Fort Mill, SC, or the surrounding areas and have been having trouble breastfeeding, it’s possible your child has lip or tongue tie. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how these conditions can impact breastfeeding and offer tips on what can be done to manage them.
What are Lip and Tongue Ties?
Lip and tongue ties are conditions present at birth where the thin piece of skin under a baby’s tongue (the lingual frenulum) or upper lip (the labial frenulum) is shorter than usual. This restricts the movement of the tongue or lip, which can cause difficulties with breastfeeding.
How Do Lip and Tongue Ties Affect Breastfeeding?
Babies with lip and tongue ties may struggle to latch correctly during breastfeeding. This can result in inadequate milk intake and uncomfortable or painful feeding for the mother. Some common signs of a lip or tongue tie include:
- Baby not gaining weight as expected.
- Difficulty latching or staying latched.
- Long or short feeds.
- Poor nipple healing or nipple pain for the mother.
- Frustration or fussiness at the breast.
How Can Lotus Dental Associates Help?
At Lotus Dental Associates in Fort Mill, SC, we have a team of experienced practitioners who can correctly diagnose and treat lip and tongue ties. Our assessment involves a thorough examination of your baby’s oral cavity to check for any physical limitations in tongue or lip movement. In situations where a tongue or lip tie is affecting breastfeeding, a simple procedure called a frenectomy can be performed. This treatment involves releasing the tight frenulum to restore normal oral movement.
Maintaining Dental Health Post-Treatment
After treatment, your baby can be expected to breastfeed more effectively, helping ensure they receive the necessary nutrition for healthy growth and development. In addition, effective breastfeeding can support your baby’s oral health by promoting the proper development of the jaw and teeth alignment.
Final Thoughts
Lotus Dental Associates is dedicated to helping new moms navigate the challenges of breastfeeding. Understanding common pitfalls like tongue and lip ties can significantly improve the breastfeeding experience for both mom and baby, promoting better health and closer bonding. If you suspect your infant could be facing these issues, get in touch with our team. We’re here to promote the health and happiness of you and your child.
