Dubai, UAE - A healthy tongue plays a big role in your little child’s overall development as it affects how they eat, speak, and even breathe. Some children are born with a condition called tongue tie (ankyloglossia), where a band of tissue under the child’s tongue is too tight. This limits the movement of the tongue, which can lead to certain problems as your child grows.
Though tongue tie might seem like a minor issue at first, it can have lasting effects on your child’s health and development if left untreated. That’s why early tongue-tie treatment from the Pediatric Dentist in Dubai is essential. Here, we will discuss what tongue tie is, how it affects your child, and why getting it treated early is important for your child's overall well-being.
What is Tongue-Tie Condition in Children?
Tongue tie is a condition where the frenulum, the thin band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is shorter or thicker than usual. This restricts the tongue’s movement, making it difficult for your child to perform basic functions like sucking, chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
Some children may have mild restrictions, while others may have more severe limitations that affect everyday activities. Since the tongue plays such an important role in oral and facial development, early detection and treatment from the Pediatric Dentist in Dubai are crucial.
How Does Tongue Tie Affect Your Child?
#1. Feeding Difficulties
In babies, one of the first signs of tongue tie is difficulty with breastfeeding. A restricted tongue can make it hard for your baby to latch properly, leading to ineffective feeding. This can result in poor weight gain for the baby, while mothers may experience nipple pain or even develop mastitis due to improper nursing.
#2. Speech Delays and Difficulties
A child’s tongue plays an important role in speech development. Certain sounds, like “t,” “d,” “z,” “s,” “th,” “r,” and "l,” require a full range of tongue movement. When the tongue is restricted, your child may have trouble producing these sounds clearly, leading to speech delays or difficulty being understood.
#3. Dental Health Issues
Tongue tie can also affect your child’s oral health. When the tongue doesn’t move freely, it can lead to improper oral posture. This can cause dental problems like misalignment of the teeth, gum issues, and even an increased risk of cavities. A restricted tongue may not effectively clear food particles from the teeth, contributing to poor oral hygiene and requiring future treatment from the Pediatric Dentist in Dubai.
#4. Sleep and Breathing Problems
Tongue tie can also contribute to sleep and breathing problems in some children. When the tongue doesn’t have enough mobility, it can affect the way the airway develops. Some children with untreated tongue tie may be at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea, a condition where breathing is interrupted during sleep. Sleep apnea can affect your child’s overall energy levels, mood, and ability to focus during the day.
Why Is Early Tongue-Tie Treatment Important?
#1. Improved Breastfeeding and Nutrition
If your baby is having trouble breastfeeding due to tongue tie, early treatment can improve their ability to latch and feed effectively. This ensures that they get the necessary nutrients to grow and thrive. Early treatment or tongue-tie surgery can also reduce discomfort for mothers during breastfeeding, making the experience more positive for both mother and baby.
#2. Supports Speech Development
Correcting tongue tie early allows your child’s tongue to move more freely, supporting natural speech development. With improved tongue mobility, your child will be better able to form sounds and words, reducing the risk of speech delays and the need for speech therapy later on.
#3. Prevents Dental Issues
By treating tongue tie early, you can help your child avoid many dental problems associated with restricted tongue movement. Early diagnosis and care promotes proper oral posture and tongue function, reducing the need for braces or other orthodontic treatments down the road.
#4. Enhances Overall Quality of Life
Treating tongue tie early can greatly improve your child’s overall quality of life. With better feeding, clearer speech, and reduced risk of dental and breathing problems, your child can grow up feeling more confident and healthy. Early treatment allows them to focus on learning, playing, and developing socially without being held back by these preventable issues.
How is Tongue Tie Treated?
Tongue tie is treated through a simple procedure called a frenectomy. In this procedure, the frenulum is snipped to release the tongue, allowing for better movement.
For infants, the process is quick, often without anesthesia. For older children or more complex cases, a more detailed procedure, sometimes requiring local anesthesia, may be performed by the Pediatric Dentist in Dubai.
Recovery is usually fast, and most children see immediate improvements in feeding, speech, or oral function. Post-procedure, tongue exercises may be recommended to aid recovery and strengthen movement.
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.