Simply answer the following questions to determine if your baby is tongue tied.
- Is the baby having difficulties in gaining weight?
- Do your breasts hurt? (sore/cracked nipples)?
- Is the baby feeding frequently?
If you answered yes, to any of these questions your baby may be tongue tied.
What is a Tongue tie?
A tongue tie is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion because the lingual frenulum (the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) is too short. Research shows 10 percent of babies are born with a tongue tie, and up to 25 percent of nursing infants can be affected by shallow latch caused by a tongue tie or lip tie.
What are the problems associated with a Tongue tie?
Tongue tie can cause challenges, including an increased risk of a failure to thrive diagnosis or low weight gain, decreased milk production, acid reflux, pain, and ending breastfeeding earlier than you hoped. Older children may develop trouble chewing solid food, develop a lisp or speech problems, or develop a narrow upper palate, which can lead to airway related problems.
Why Laser treatment is best for Tongue/Lip Tie?
The laser technology replaces the use of a scalpel or a pair of scissors, making the procedure comfortable and quick for the infant.The CO2 laser used by Dr. Mandeep Johal is the gold standard for an infant frenectomy. It allows for no or minimal bleeding at the treatment site which results in better visualization of the posterior tongue tie and quicker healing times for the baby.
How long is the procedure?
The treatment time is less than one minute, with minimal pain (and minimal or no needed analgesics), with no infection to date, that heals quickly. The appointment is booked for one hour because Dr.Johal and her team, like to take the time to educate the parents. Post op care review and how the baby feeds after the procedure is the most important part of the appointment.
What is the best approach for treating infant tongue ties?
Parents need to understand, the whole body plays a part in breastfeeding, not just the tongue and jaw. Dr. Mandeep Johal recommends all infants should be seen by a Lactation consultant and Chiropractor or Osteopath that specialize in infant tongue ties. Together, we can provide the optimal results.
Dr. Mandeep Johal is a mother of two and a general dentist, who resides in Guelph. Dr. Johal had a tongue tie, along with her oldest son and her youngest son had a lip tie, so this topic is a personal one. The fact that she and her boys went undiagnosed for so long, even after being immersed in the dental field, helped her recognize that others were living limited lives because of their tongue ties too. Dr. Johal is on a mission to help people identify issues associated with their oral restrictions, so they can get the right treatment sooner.
Breastfeeding should be a joyful and a pain-free experience with your child.
Dr. Johal is a board-certified laser surgeon who uses a CO2 laser to perform all releases.
Contact Dr. Johal and her team to see how they can help you and your child.
Note: We are a designated essential business in public health services. Our physical dental office location is open under guidance by the government and The Royal College of Dental Surgeons. We meet and exceed safety guidelines. Virtual Office Appointments are also available to serve our community.
Family Dental Centre
1482 Gordon Street, Guelph
519-767-2729
www.familydentalguelph.com