Dubai, UAE - Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where a small band of tissue, called the lingual frenulum, restricts tongue movement in little babies. This limitation can affect a child’s ability to feed, speak, and maintain oral hygiene properly. If the condition causes significant issues, Pediatrician and Pediatric Dentists in Dubai may recommend a procedure to help release the tongue.
Here’s what parents can expect before, during, and after tongue-tie treatment for their child.
Before Tongue-Tie Treatment: What to Expect
#1. Consultation and Evaluation
The first step in treating tongue-tie is an evaluation by a pediatric specialist, especially a Pediatric Dentist or a Pediatrician in Dubai. During this consultation, the doctors will assess the tongue’s range of motion and its effects on feeding, speech, and oral health. Additionally, they will ask about the child’s symptoms, including breastfeeding difficulties or speech delays.
#2. Deciding on Treatment
The decision of tongue-tie surgery or treatment depends on the severity of the restriction and the challenges it causes. Some mild cases improve naturally over time, while more significant cases may benefit from intervention. The doctor may suggest exercises, speech therapy, or observation to see if the condition improves on its own.
If treatment is recommended, the Pediatric Dentist in Dubai will explain the procedure, benefits, and any potential risks. For tongue-tie, the most common treatment is frenectomy, a quick procedure that involves cutting the frenulum to release the tongue.
#3. Preparing Your Child
If a frenectomy is recommended, the Pediatric Dentist and Pediatrician in Dubai will provide guidance on how to prepare your child.
During Tongue-Tie Treatment: What Happens?
#1. Quick and Simple Frenectomy Procedure
The Pediatrician and Pediatric Dentists may apply a small amount of local anesthetic to the frenulum if needed and then make a small cut to release the tongue. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and usually involves minimal bleeding.
#2. Keeping Your Child Comfortable
Most Pediatric Dentists and Pediatricians take extra care to ensure that children are comfortable during the procedure. Distraction methods, such as toys or soothing sounds, may be used to help calm young children.
#3. Immediate Results
For many children, especially infants with breastfeeding difficulties, the benefits of a frenectomy can be noticed right away. Babies who struggled with latching may be able to nurse more effectively almost immediately after the procedure.
After Tongue-Tie Treatment: Recovery and Care
#1. Caring for the Treated Area
After the procedure, the Pediatrician and Pediatric Dentists will provide instructions for caring for the treated area. Some children may experience mild soreness, which usually subsides within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended by the Pediatric Doctors if needed.
#2. Exercises for Better Healing
In some cases, the Pediatric Dentists and Pediatricians in Dubai may suggest gentle tongue exercises to prevent reattachment and improve tongue movement. These exercises help ensure the tongue gains full range of motion, promoting proper function.
#3. Monitoring Progress
A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check the healing process and ensure that the treatment has addressed initial concerns, like feeding or speech difficulties.
#4. Speech or Feeding Improvements
One of the main benefits of frenectomy is that it often improves the child’s ability to feed and, later on, speak more clearly. Many parents report that their child becomes less frustrated during feeding or that their speech articulation improves as they grow.
Dr. Yasmin Kottait provides expert guidance in the diagnosis and treatment of tongue tie in children, ensuring a thorough examination and personalized care plan. From a precise diagnosis to gentle surgery, her approach emphasizes full comfort and meticulous attention to each child's unique needs, fostering a supportive and caring environment throughout the entire process.
About Dr. Yasmin Kottait:
Having dedicated 16 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.