Dubai, UAE - Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition that affects a little child’s tongue movement due to a tight or thick band of tissue called the lingual frenulum. This small tissue connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and in cases of tongue tie, it is shorter than usual. Tongue tie can impact a child’s ability to speak, eat, and perform other oral functions. Identifying tongue tie early with the guidance and support of a good Pediatric Dentist in Dubai is essential for a child's development or well-being.
Understanding Tongue Tie in Children
When a child has a tongue tie, their tongue’s movement may be restricted, making it hard for them to lift the tongue, move it side to side, or extend it beyond the lips. For infants and young children, this can lead to issues with feeding, speech, and oral hygiene. While some cases are mild and do not require intervention, others may need medical attention from the best Dentist for Kids to prevent future complications. The symptoms of tongue tie can vary depending on the severity of the condition, as mentioned below:
#1. Feeding Difficulties in Infants
Babies with tongue-tie may struggle with breastfeeding as they may have difficulty latching onto the nipple or creating a proper suction. This can result in longer feeding times, frequent fussiness, or poor weight gain in children.
#2. Speech Issues in Toddlers and Older Children
Tongue tie can make it difficult for a child to pronounce specific sounds like "d," "l," "r," "s," "t," "th," and "z." Speech challenges may become more apparent as the child starts speaking more frequently.
#3. Difficulty in Swallowing and Eating
Children with tongue-tie may find it hard to move food around in their mouths, making it difficult to chew and swallow. This can lead to messy eating or a preference for softer foods.
#4. Poor Oral Hygiene
Limited tongue movement may make it hard for children to sweep food debris from their teeth, leading to poor oral hygiene and an increased risk of cavities.
#5. Restricted Tongue Mobility:
If you notice that your child struggles to stick out their tongue, or if their tongue appears to have a heart shape at the tip when extended, these could be signs of tongue tie.
Treatment Options for Tongue Tie in Children
#1. Observation
For mild cases, doctors may suggest waiting and observing how the condition develops, as some children outgrow minor tongue ties without intervention. In these cases, regular check-ups from the Kid’s Dentist in Dubai will help monitor any changes.
#2. Speech and Feeding Therapy
If tongue tie affects a child’s feeding or speech, speech therapists along with Pediatric Dentist can help by teaching exercises to improve oral movement and communication. A speech-language pathologist can work with children on sound production and articulation, while a feeding specialist can help with latching and swallowing techniques.
#3. Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure using radiofrequency or laser surgery in which the best Dentist for Kids snips the lingual frenulum to release the tongue. This can be done quickly in a dentist’s office without anesthesia for infants. The frenectomy procedure is generally comfortable and painless, with faster healing ability.
When should you seek help for Tongue Tie?
If you suspect that your child has tongue tie, consult with a good Pediatric Dentist in Dubai for evaluations. Identifying and addressing tongue tie early on can help avoid lasting challenges with speech, eating, and oral health. Here are some situations where medical evaluation may be beneficial:
a) Breastfeeding challenges that continue despite assistance from lactation consultants.
b) Speech delays or issues with articulation that affect communication.
c) Difficulty chewing or swallowing solid foods beyond the typical age.
d) Concerns with oral hygiene, such as frequent cavities or difficulty cleaning the mouth.
Dr. Yasmin Kottait, a reputed Pediatric Dentist in Dubai, specializes in diagnosing and treating tongue-tie in little children. With her Pediatric Dentistry experience and expertise, Dr. Yasmin provides gentle and effective care, helping improve your child’s speech, feeding, and overall oral health. Dr. Yasmin Kottait’s compassionate approach ensures children feel comfortable, making her a trusted choice for families in Dubai.
About Dr. Yasmin Kottait:
Having dedicated 20 years of her career to spreading smiles and imparting knowledge of oral hygiene to children, Dr. Yasmin is a renowned name as the best Dentist for Kids in Dubai. Her joyful personality and magical kid-whispering powers make dental appointments for kids an easy sail – and lots of fun, that they never miss a single dental appointment with her! Dr. Yasmin is also one of the few Autism-friendly Dentists in the region, with a diploma in Cognitive Based Hypnotherapy and IBCCES Autism certification.