Lip Tie Treatment in South Miami, FL
Lip Tie Treatment Near You
At Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist, we’re committed to making your child successful at every stage of development. From the first feeding of a newborn through correct enunciation in early childhood, oral function is an important part of daily life. One of the commonly overlooked conditions that can get in the way of these successes is a lip tie. Our office is happy to provide painless and effective lip tie treatment in South Miami that allows for improved feeding, oral health, and comfort for your child.
Understanding What a Lip Tie Means
Lip tie is a condition in which tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum tissue, the labial frenulum, is thicker or tighter than usual. This limits the range of motion for the top lip. Restricted range of motion of the top lip can cause a range of challenges, especially for babies trying to latch on while breast- or bottle-feeding.
Lip ties are frequently present at birth but may go unnoticed if symptoms are subtle or confused with unrelated feeding or speech difficulties. Otherwise, lip ties are present together with tongue ties and need to be double-treated.
Signs and Symptoms That Could Indicate a Lip Tie
Additional problems can be prevented if a lip tie is discovered early. The symptoms and signs can be different based on the age of your child, but the following are the general signs to be on the lookout for:
- Difficulty latching on when breastfeeding
- Being very cranky or gassy
- Inability to gain weight
- The milk spilled from the corners of the mouth
- Restricted mobility of the upper lip
- Restlessness when brushing teeth or flossing the gum line of the upper teeth
- Cavities or plaque on the front upper teeth
- Speech difficulty, including with certain sounds
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should obtain a professional evaluation by a pediatric dentist in South Miami.
Why Lip Tie Treatment Supports Your Child’s Growth
Lip tie can be a small problem, but one that will ruin a child’s development if not treated. An over-tight upper lip in an infant will cause breastfeeding to be painful or even impossible, which will both confuse parent and child. Such problems can extend into bonding and nutrition as well.
As children age, undiagnosed lip ties will get in the way of normal oral function. They’ll have difficulty keeping the front teeth clean, and hence, the risk of decay is heightened. Other children struggle with speech or difficulties with social confidence because of appearance or muzzy communication.
By opting for lip tie treatment in South Miami, you are providing your child with a foundation of feeding, speech, and a healthy mouth.
Pediatric Tongue-Tie Treatment in South Miami
Dr. Bob, a trusted pediatric dentist near you, offers a simple and safe procedure called a frenectomy to treat lip ties. This treatment involves releasing the restrictive tissue so that the upper lip can move freely.
We have a choice of two methods in our office. One is a more traditional method referred to as a frenectomy conducted with sterile scissors, and the other is a laser frenectomy with high-technology equipment that reduces bleeding, and healing occurs more quickly. The laser treatment is usually employed, particularly with infants and small children, since it is less painful and has no or minimal recovery time.
The Long-Term Benefits of Addressing Lip Tie Early
Early repair of a lip tie will benefit the well-being and development of your child. Some advantages include:
- Increased latching and more effective breastfeeding
- Decreased nipple soreness in breastfeeding mothers
- Improved weight gain and growth efficiency in babies
- Improved speech clarity and articulation in toddlers
- Simpler brushing and flossing of front teeth
- Gum disease and cavity prevention
- Fewer orthodontic problems, including space between teeth
Make an Appointment for a Lip Tie Evaluation Today
If you are experiencing feeding problems, speech problems, or issues with your child’s movement of their top lip, Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist can assist you. We employ a team of trained professionals who are specialized in performing successful and non-traumatic lip tie treatment in South Miami in a warm and child-friendly setting.
Contact us now for an appointment. Together, we can help your child become more self-assured.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my baby needs lip-tie treatment?
If your baby is struggling with breastfeeding, shows signs of poor weight gain, or appears fussy during feedings, a lip tie may be the cause. The diagnosis can be verified by a pediatric dentist evaluation.
Is the lip tie procedure safe for infants and toddlers?
Yes. The lip tie procedure is quick and minimally invasive. Most children tolerate the procedure very well, especially with the use of laser technology that reduces discomfort and promotes fast healing.
Can a lip tie influence my child's teeth?
Yes. A lip tie may make it difficult to clean the upper front teeth, which may be at risk of cavities or gum issues. It can also lead to the spacing of the front teeth.
Do all lip ties need to be treated?
Not necessarily. Minor lip ties will not affect feeding, speech, or oral hygiene. It is usually best to have treatment done if the condition is showing signs of overt distress.