When it comes to frenectomies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information—and sometimes misinformation—out there. Searching for answers about whether this procedure is necessary for your child can lead to conflicting opinions, which can leave you feeling uncertain about what’s truly best.
You don’t have to sift through confusing information alone. Aviator Pediatric Dentistry is here to answer your questions about which situations call for a tongue-tie frenectomy. If your child does need one, we offer a gentle laser frenectomy for a faster recovery.
Sorting Out Tongue-Ties, Frenectomies, and Speech
Studies on the connection between tongue-ties and speech development are mixed. For example:
- Some research, such as a 2020 study in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, suggests that tongue-ties do not directly cause speech delays or issues.
- Other studies, including a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis in The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, indicate that correcting tongue-ties with a frenectomy can improve speech, especially when done early.
What Does This Mean for You and Your Child?
This conflicting information can make it confusing to know how to react to a tongue-tie diagnosis. But the bottom line is if your child struggles to articulate certain sounds and has been diagnosed with a tongue-tie, it’s worth exploring a quick laser frenectomy. Better tongue mobility from the procedure could allow your child to form certain sounds more easily, especially when supported by a speech therapist.
At Aviator Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll never pressure you into a procedure we think is unnecessary. Instead, we evaluate each child carefully to determine if a frenectomy is the best solution.
What About Tongue-Ties and Eating?
While there is some debate about tongue-ties causing speech challenges, there’s no disputing that they can make swallowing, chewing, and latching during breastfeeding difficult. In fact, feeding issues are often among the first warning signs that parents notice in infants. Your child might have a tongue-tie if they:
- Struggle to Latch Properly During Breastfeeding
- Tire Easily During Feeding Sessions
- Have Colic, Are Fussy, or Fail to Gain Weight
For older children, tongue-ties may make eating solid foods a challenge. Limited tongue mobility can make it hard to chew or swallow. Your little picky eater may actually feel discomfort caused by a tie.
Can a Frenectomy Help Your Child Eat Better?
Yes! From smoother breastfeeding to easier chewing of solid foods, proper tongue function often helps children to eat more comfortably and efficiently.
Don’t hesitate to let our Watauga pediatric dentist know about your child’s eating habits and tongue-tie concerns. We can provide guidance on how a frenectomy could address these issues.
Can Frenectomies Help with Breathing Issues?
You might not have thought to even consider this, but your child’s snoring and mouth breathing? It could be due to a tongue-tie. A restricted tongue can prevent proper swallowing, leading to an open-mouth posture and habitual mouth breathing. This, in turn, can affect overall oral development and even sleep quality.
How Does a Frenectomy Help?
A frenectomy can reduce mouth breathing and promote better nasal breathing. Plus, by allowing the tongue to rest naturally at the roof of the mouth, the procedure helps guide healthy jaw and airway development.
Our office specializes in airway therapy for young patients, and our treatments include frenectomies. If your child experiences snoring, restless sleep, or signs of sleep apnea, it’s worth investigating whether a laser frenectomy at our Watauga, TX, dental office could help.
Together, We Can Help Your Child Thrive
Frenectomies may be small, but their impact on a child’s quality of life can be enormous. From clearer speech to easier eating and better breathing, this simple procedure could address lingering challenges and set your child up for lifelong success.
However, we know that you want to be confident in any decision you make about your child’s health, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our Watauga dentist for more information on our laser therapy. Get started now to learn more at Aviator Pediatric Dentistry.