Most parents associate tongue tie with nursing difficulties in newborns. In fact, tethered oral tissues (TOTs) don't disappear after infancy; they can continue affecting your child’s development, sleep, and oral health well beyond.
Common Signs and Symptoms in Toddlers
If your toddler or young child has a tongue tie, they might experience
- Difficulty with speech sounds (especially "l," "r," "t," or "d")
- Messy eating habits
- Trouble licking their lips
- Eating more slowly because the effort is tiring or frustrating
- A feeling that their tongue feels “stuck”
- Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side or touching the roof of their mouth
The Hidden Impact on Sleep and Airway Health
Tethered oral tissues can significantly restrict tongue movement, so the child has to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose. Mouth breathing can affect jaw and palate development and lead to disrupted sleep, snoring, chronic congestion, and even sleep apnea.
When the tongue can't rest properly against the roof of the mouth, it changes how the face and airway develop. Early intervention supports healthy breathing patterns and proper growth.
Dental and Orthodontic Implications
Tongue ties can lead to narrow palates, crowded teeth, and bite problems that may require orthodontic treatment later. Because the tongue guides jaw development, restricted movement means the child is more likely to need braces or other interventions in the future.
A Gentle Path to Better Health: Our Comprehensive Approach
At Sierk Children's Dentistry, we believe in treating the whole child, not just the "tie." If your child is struggling with a restricted tongue, we focus on a comfortable, supportive journey toward better breathing and speech.
- Comfort-First Laser Frenectomy: We use a precise, gentle laser to release the tissue. This means there are no needles or scalpels, almost no discomfort, and your child can get back to being a kid much faster.
- Supportive Myofunctional Therapy: Think of this as "physical therapy for the tongue." It’s often done through fun, game-like exercises that teach your child how to use their "new" tongue. This step ensures that the work we do together creates a lifetime of healthy habits.
Diagnosis and Modern Solutions at Sierk Children's Dentistry
Dr. Jon Sierk evaluates TOTs by discussing your child’s symptoms and carefully examining their mouth and tongue. If he finds that a tongue tie is affecting your child's development, he can perform a laser frenectomy. This quick, precise procedure releases the tongue tie with minimal discomfort and faster healing than surgical methods.
If you've noticed signs of tongue tie in your toddler or older child, contact Sierk Children's Dentistry in Highlands Ranch or Castle Pines to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sierk.