What is a Tongue-Tie?

What is a Frenulum?

Frenulums are the connective pieces of tissues between either: the tongue and the floor of the mouth, or the lip/cheek and gum tissue. Their purpose is to limit the movement of the lips, cheeks, and tongue.

What is a Tethered Oral Tie?

Tethered oral ties, or TOTs, can include lip-ties, cheek-ties, and/or tongue-ties in infants and children. If left untreated, these short or thick frenulums can cause disruptions in the child’s oral and overall development.

Ankyloglossia

In approximately 5-10% of babies a tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is present. Different presentations of frenulum attachment may restrict the tongue’s range of motion to varying degrees, impacting feeding skills, breathing habits, and oral motor development.

Based on functional limitation, a tongue tie diagnosis and treatment recommendation should be made by an experienced provider. Feeding assessments from appropriate specialists and investigation of anatomical presentation and associated symptoms are crucial in the diagnoses and treatment of TOTs.

Signs and Symptoms

The following signs and symptoms are common amongst babies and mothers who experience lip or tongue ties. However, it is important to recognize that these signs can be linked to other factors, and are not solely related to ties.

Clicking noises during feeds
Leaking milk from sides of the mouth
Air intake
Reflux or colic due to excessive air intake
Coughing or gagging during feeds
Snoring or mouth breathing due to low resting tongue posture
Difficulty managing foods or liquids in the mouth
Pain and/or damaged nipples
Prolonged, inefficient feeds
Plugged ducts or mastitis
Decreased milk production due to inefficient feeds

Why is it Important to treat tethered oral ties, "TOTs"?

While some "TOTs" may self-resolve over time, others can lead to detrimental effects on oral and overall development.

Lack of treatment can result in:

Difficulties with speech
Head and Neck posture issues
Teeth Grinding or Bruxism
Need for extensive orthodontic treatment
Airway and Sleep Disorders
Digestive Problems
Difficulties with Breast or Bottle feeding

Waterlase iPlus

Dr. Vail uses the latest Waterlase iPlus technology to ensure optimal comfort for her patients. Due to the Waterlase's innovative design, surgical procedures and post-operative bleeding and discomfort are minimized or even completely diminished.

To see more about Waterlase, go to Our Technology page.

FASTER HEALING!

Upper lip, cheek, and tongue-tie laser releasing procedures use a simple technique, resulting in minimal or NO postoperative swelling or pain. With appropriate release of oral ties, your little one can soon be thriving in their oral and overall development.

Meet Dr. Shannon Vail

Dr. Vail is a Baltimore native and a mom of three little ones, all of whom had oral tie revisions as infants. Since entering the dental field in 2014, she has strived to provide all of her patients with caring, compassionate, comprehensive care. As a member of the Nathanson Dental team, Dr. Vail has set out to ensure mothers and families feel confident and comfortable knowing that they are receiving the best care available.

Hunt Valley Family Dentistry FAQs

Choosing a family dentist in Hunt Valley, MD can bring up a lot of questions. That's why our family dental practice team is committed to ensuring you feel confident and informed about your dental care. Some common questions we answer include:

Can my child visit a family dentist instead of a pediatric dentist?

Yes. Your child can visit our family dentist instead of a pediatric dentist. Family dentists are equipped to care for patients of all ages, including children, and can provide a range of pediatric dental services.

Does your practice offer orthodontics?

Yes, at Nathanson Dental, we offer orthodontic services specializing in Invisalign® and CandidPro aligners to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Whether you prefer the discreet and removable option of Invisalign® or the innovative technology of CandidPro aligners, our experienced team is here to provide personalized care tailored to your needs. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your orthodontic options and take the first step towards a more confident smile.

How often should we schedule family dental checkups?

We often recommend that both children and adults visit the dentist at least every every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. This frequency allows for ongoing oral health monitoring and timely intervention for dental issues. We will talk to you about the need for additional visits if underlying health conditions require more frequent visits.

Meeting Your Family's Dental Care Needs in Hunt Valley

Our goal at Nathanson Dental is to be a valuable part of promoting healthy smiles for life for you and yours. From providing sports guards for children to advanced gum disease treatment for older patients, our team is ready to offer exceptional care. We look forward to meeting you and understanding how we can contribute to your and your loved ones' oral health. Contact our Hunt Valley Family dental practice today to schedule your appointment!

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